What is a silent fracture?

When bone is sufficiently weak, fractures occur with little or no warning, stress, or trauma. Sometimes the diagnosis of fracturing comes as a surprise, which is why osteoporosis is called the “silent fracture” disease.

Can you fracture your spine without knowing?

Spinal fractures don’t always involve pain, so even after a traumatic event such as a car accident, you may not know that you have a fracture. That’s why it’s important to have a thorough examination by a doctor after a traumatic event. However, a spinal fracture may cause sudden, severe pain around the area of injury.

What does an osteoporosis fracture feel like?

Pain often goes along with a compression fracture. You’ll feel it along the spine, usually in your middle to lower back. It often gets worse when you stand or sit for a long period and gets better when you lie down. You may also notice that you’re getting a little shorter.

Are compression fractures serious?

Spine compression fractures are serious, and they can cause painful or debilitating symptoms that interfere with your quality of life. Fortunately, treatment can help repair the damage and relieve symptoms.

Can you sit with a compression fracture?

In order to give the bone time to heal, your doctor may recommend that you avoid all high impact activities, including sports and exercise. You should also avoid any bending, twisting, or lifting motions. However, this does not mean you should stay sedentary until the fracture heals.

Can MRI show old fractures?

In addition, depending on the presence or absence of the change of signal intensity and the altered patterns, accurate delineation of pathological areas can be confirmed by MRI. Furthermore, new fracture, old fracture and degenerative lesions can be differentiated because of MRI’s good resolution.

How do you treat a hairline fracture in the back?

Medical Treatment Most fractures are treated with immobilization in a brace or corset for up to 12 weeks. Bracing helps to reduce pain and prevent deformity.

What are the warning signs of osteoporosis?

However, some signs and symptoms, such as receding gums, weaker grip strength, and more brittle fingernails may be early warning signs. A loss of height, a stooped posture, back or neck pain, and bone fractures are often the most common symptoms of later-stage osteoporosis.

Is walking good for compression fractures?

However, this does not mean you should stay sedentary until the fracture heals. Low impact activities, such as walking or tai chi, are good for your heart, and a healthy circulatory system can increase blood flow to the fracture and help your bones heal faster.

What is the best treatment for a compression fracture?

Treatment of compression fractures may include medicine, rest, a back brace, or physical therapy. Sometimes, surgery is needed. The risk of new fractures can be reduced by doing regular weight-bearing exercises that increase strength, and balance exercises that reduce the risk for falls.

How should you sleep with a compression fracture?

Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees. This will decrease pressure on your back. You may also sleep on your side with 1 or both of your knees bent and a pillow between them. It may also be helpful to sleep on your stomach with a pillow under you at waist level.

Can a fracture heal on its own?

Provided that the conditions are right for the break to heal completely, a broken bone or fracture can actually repair itself. After a fracture, a blood clot forms around the break. Then, bone cells begin to form on the sides of the fracture line, moving towards the center of the break, until the break heals.

How does a hairline fracture feel?

What are the symptoms of a hairline fracture? The most common symptom of a hairline fracture is pain. This pain can gradually get worse over time, especially if you don’t stop weight-bearing activity. Pain is usually worse during activity and lessens during rest.