Spinal Compression Fractures

It’s no surprise that bones become more vulnerable to breaking with age. But what may come as a surprise is that compression fractures can result from weaknesses in the bones themselves. Small breaks in the front part of the vertebrae are often the reason for older people’s decreased height and stooped posture. At Kosak Chiropractic in Fairfield, we want to help our patients avoid the painful consequences of compression fractures, which is why we provide lifestyle medicine as well as pain relief.

When a person has osteopenia, their bones aren’t regrowing fast enough to replace the material that naturally breaks down. If their osteopenia has progressed into osteoporosis, their bones have lost enough material to have a honeycomb-like pattern of gaps. This makes them likelier to suffer small fractures from shocks or jostling as they go about their daily lives, and the accumulation of these fractures can result in the spinal column partially collapsing. Older women are especially at risk for osteoporosis, although it also occurs in men, and spinal fractures often go undiagnosed because their location makes them difficult to see with x-rays if the technicians aren’t specifically looking for them.

We can determine whether a patient should be treated for a compression fracture by doing a manual examination, along with imaging tests and ruling out other causes of pain. Treatment includes bracing while the spine heals and physical therapy to improve the strength of the muscles supporting the spine. We’ll also provide patients with nutritional counseling to improve their intake of calcium and Vitamin D, which will strengthen their bones and slow further bone loss to osteoporosis.

Kosak Chiropractic is located at 1252 Travis Blvd., Suite G, Fairfield, CA, 94533. To schedule an appointment, visit Kosak Chiropractic online or call 707-426-1111.