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A VCF occurs when the vertebral body collapses. Fractures mainly occur in the middle spine (thoracic region). The most causes of VCF include:

. Osteoporosis - This is a bone disorder that causes loss of strength of the bone. Most osteoporotic fractures are a collapse of the vertebral body that begins at the anterior (front) portion of the bone. Multiple VCFs are common with osteoporosis.
. Tumors (cancerous and non-cancerous) - A break or disruption in the vertebra can occur when a tumor develops on or near the bone.
. Physical injury - When there is a severe impact or large force, many vertebral bodies can be crusted. Injury and trauma usually cause VCF in a healthy spine.

There are two groups of people at risk for spinal vertebral compression fractures: those with weak bones due to osteoporosis and those with bone cancer. Other factors include:

. Race - White and Asian women have the highest risk for VCF.
. Age - The risk rapidly increases for women over the age of 50 years.
. Weight - Thin women have a higher incidence of these fractures.
. Smoking - Smoking causes bone loss and contributes to osteoporosis.
. Early menopause - Going through menopause before the age of 50 years.

The Los Angeles pain doctor will take a detailed history of your complaints and conduct a physical examination. In addition, certain diagnostic tests are used, such as:

. X-rays of the spine, which detect bone breaks
. MRI scans, which assess spinal structures
. DEXA scan, to assess bone mineral density

The treatment of a vertebral compression fracture involves pain relief and restoration of the bone height. Treatment options include:

Medications - Anti-inflammatory drugs are often used, especially in patients with associated arthritis. In addition, the doctor may prescribe paracetamol, which relieves pain with few side effects. Opioid pain medications are strong painkillers, reserved for severe pain and short-term use only. To strengthen bones and stabilize/restore bone loss, the doctor may prescribe Fosamax or Actonel.

Physical therapy - Once a fracture is confirmed, and after the patient maintains bedrest for a short time, the Beverly Hills pain management doctor may order physical therapy. The therapist uses ultrasound, heat, electrical stimulation, and massage to relieve pain. In addition, the therapist can teach abdominal and back strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and mobility.

Back bracing - A back brace gives external support to someone with a fractured vertebra(e) and also limits mobility so the spine can heal. Because braces can lead to loss of muscle and strength when used, they are only recommended short-term.

Vertebroplasty - With this procedure, the doctor inserts a needle into the damaged vertebrae, using x-ray guidance. Bone cement is injected into the fracture to restore bone height. In a study with more than 650 VCF patients, the majority reported pain relief and significant improvement in mobility.

Kyphoplasty - This procedure is similar to vertebroplasty. However, the needle contains a balloon-tipped device that is guided into the fractured portion of the vertebra. The doctor inflates the balloon to create a cavity in the bone and injects a liquid bone cement. In a large clinical research study, kyphoplasty was found to be extremely effective for VCF due to myeloma reported.