Individuals with osteoporosis experience reduced bone mass or density. In other words, while the bones might look normal-sized on an X-ray, they become less dense inside and therefore more brittle. This can lead to vertebral compression fractures, or the collapse of the thick vertebral bodies along the front of the spine. If you’re concerned about sustaining these injuries, learn more about them in the following guide, along with how a chiropractor can help.

Types of Compression Fractures

The most common form of vertebral compression fracture is known as a wedge fracture. Only the front side of the vertebra collapses, while the back remains in place. The result is a slanted, wedge-like shape. 

However, if the bone collapses evenly from both sides, it’s known as a crush fracture. If the damage is somewhat different from the front to the back, it’s called a burst fracture, which can be the hardest to fix. 

Common Symptoms

After a vertebral compression fracture, you’ll likely experience sudden and severe back pain. This discomfort may be exacerbated by walking and standing and only fade when you’re lying down. You might also find it too painful to twist or arch your torso. Eventually, vertebral compression fractures can lead to deformity—such as a hunched back—decreased height, and even organ complications from crowding.

How a Chiropractor Can Help

If you’ve been diagnosed with a vertebral compression fracture, the first step will be to stabilize the weakened area of the spine and alleviate pain. This might be done with over-the-counter medication and back bracing to limit motion during healing. Once the vertebra has healed, a chiropractor can make corrective adjustments to bring the spine back into alignment, which will alleviate stress on the injured vertebra and prevent more from collapsing down the line.

When patients in High Point, NC, need tailored treatments to recover from an injury, they turn to South Main Chiropractic Clinic. The practice has served clients since 1994. Whether you're recovering from a car accident or dealing with a chronic condition like osteoporosis, you can count on their state- and board-certified chiropractor. To start improving your whole-body wellness, call (336) 885-5200 to schedule your first appointment. You can also visit the website to learn more about their pain-reducing techniques.