Talking About Health And Medical

A compression fracture occurs when one or more of the vertebra in your back collapses, which can be caused by hairline cracks that get worse and worse over time. There are actually quite a few things that can cause a compression fracture; these are a few of them.

1. Aging

For one thing, you should know that as you get older, you can be more prone to dealing with a compression fracture. This is because as you age, your bones become more brittle and fragile, which can make them more prone to these cracks and issues. If you have osteoporosis, you can be even more prone to compression fractures. As you get older, it is important to see a doctor regularly so that he or she can check for this problem.

2. Falling

Another thing that can cause compression fractures is falling, such as if you slip off of the steps or if you fall backward. A compression fracture can happen to anyone under these circumstances, but again, someone who is older and who has more brittle bones can be even more prone to doing serious damage when taking a tumble. Even though accidents can and do happen, being careful to watch your step and to avoid falling is important if you would like to prevent compression fractures.

3. Lifting

You might already know that heavy lifting can strain your back, but what you might not realize is that it can actually cause compression fractures as well. Bending over to pick up heavy items or lifting overly heavy items by yourself, without any assistance, can make you prone to injuring yourself. Making sure that you always bend your knees and lift with your legs can help, as can asking for assistance with picking up heavy items or using a dolly or cart for lifting and moving heavy items whenever possible. 

As you can see, there are various things that can cause a compression fracture. If you have been experiencing back pain and think that you might have a compression fracture, now is the time to schedule an appointment with a specialist. Then, you can be properly diagnosed to see if this is, in fact, the problem, and you can get treatment to help alleviate some of the pain. For example, if you have a compression fracture, your doctor might prescribe a pain medication that can help you get rid of any major discomfort. To learn more, contact a company like Southwest Florida Neurosurgical & Rehab Associates.