Compression Fractures and Lower Back Pain
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.
While XRays can determine whether a compression fracture exists, an MRI can determine whether it is new (acute) or chronic (old). A compression fracture that has fluid and swelling in it is considered new and may be amenable to effective minimally invasive, interventional treatments, such as a kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty.
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