Compression Fractures: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention

A compression fracture occurs when a vertebra collapses, often due to weakened bone. Common causes and risk factors include:

1. Osteoporosis: Reduced bone density, common in older adults (especially postmenopausal women), is the leading cause.
2. Trauma: High-impact injuries (falls, car accidents, sports) can fracture even healthy vertebrae.
3. Pathological fractures: Bone cancer, infections (osteomyelitis), tumors, or metabolic bone diseases weaken bone.
4. Vertebral hemangioma: Benign vascular tumors that can weaken vertebral structure.
5. Long-term corticosteroid use: High-dose steroids (e.g., prednisone) cause bone thinning.
6. Paget's disease of bone: Abnormal bone remodeling leads to fragility.
7. Spinal tumors: Malignant or benign tumors erode vertebrae.
8. Infections: Spinal tuberculosis or fungal infections weaken bone.

Fractures often result from combined factors (e.g., osteoporosis + minor trauma). Seek medical evaluation for back pain after injury or fall.