Tāwhatiwhatinga kōpeketanga tuaiwi Vertebral compression fracture

Vertebral compression fracture can be caused by an accident like a fall. If you have severe osteoporosis (thinning of your bones), it can be caused by a minor incident such as a sneeze.

Osteoporosis (internal link)

If you have a vertebral compression fracture you are most likely to feel a sharp pain in your back. The pain is usually worse if you:

• bend forwards
• walk in a stooped position
• sit relaxed in a chair
• lie on your back in bed
• get up from lying down.

The pain eases when you walk upright. Some people have no pain at all.

You will need an x-ray to diagnose a vertebral compression fracture. Your healthcare provider will arrange this.

If there is a fracture, the vertebral body (main part of the bone) will be a wedge shape rather than square.

Scans and x-rays (internal link)

Treatment for vertebral compression fractures is to help the natural healing of the broken bone. The aim of treatment is to make sure you can return to all your normal activities without pain or stiffness.

In the first few weeks, you may need some pain relief medication. Your healthcare provider can provide this. You also may find it more comfortable to sleep in an armchair for a few nights. Try to get back into sleeping in your bed as soon as you can.

Pain relief medicines for adults (internal link)

The most important thing you can do while your bone heals is to keep moving, but within the limits of your pain. You may find gentle walking in an upright posture (not stooped) helps relieve the pain. Bending backwards also helps.

It is important that you stay active and have good posture during the first 1 to 2 months after the fracture happens. This helps make sure that everything heals the best it can.

Try to avoid movements that make your pain worse, such as bending forwards or sitting slouched. You may find sitting with a pillow or cushion against the lower part of your back helps relieve the pain.

As your pain improves over the first 1 to 2 months, gradually increase your amount of activity. You should aim to be back to your normal level of activity within 3 to 4 months. If you find it painful to move or the pain is not getting better, see your healthcare provider or physiotherapist.

When the vertebral compression fracture has healed you will feel no ongoing pain from the bone. But the other soft tissues around it can be painful if they have become tight during the healing process.

You can reduce your risk of having a compression fracture by keeping your bones strong. You can also reduce your risk if you minimise your risk of falling.

Tips for bone health — Osteoporosis New Zealand (external link)

Stay safe from falls — Live Stronger For Longer (external link)

If your pain is keeping you awake or stopping you being active, see your healthcare provider for pain medication.

Pain relief medicines for adults (internal link)

If you are not sure about the right exercises and activities to help the bone heal and prevent any ongoing issues, see a physiotherapist for advice.

Find a physiotherapist — Healthpoint (external link)

Find a physio — Physiotherapy New Zealand (external link)

If you are finding it hard to do your normal daily activities, see an occupational therapist for advice.

Find an occupational therapist — Healthpoint (external link)

Find a therapist — Occupational Therapy New Zealand (external link)

If you are unsure about eating well for bone health, see a dietitian.

Find a dietitian — Healthpoint (external link)

If your fracture was caused by osteoporosis (thinning of your bones), you should see your healthcare provider to discuss medication to keep your bones strong.