A compression fracture is the collapse of a bone, particularly the vertebrae. Although compression fractures can occur in any bone in the body, they are most troublesome and painful when they occur in the back, often resulting in lower back pain. Compression fractures of the vertebrae are can be caused by trauma, osteoporosis, or cancer.

Facet joints (a.k.a. Zygopophyseal joints) are located on the back (posterior) part of the spine and their alignment allow for movement, such as bending forward or backwards and twisting of the neck and upper back. Most of the time, these facet joints move with no problem, and many people don’t even realize that the joints exist. It is when the capsule surrounding the joint or the protective cartilage breaks down that most people feel neck pain or back pain.