Fracture of one or more of the bones that make up the spine, also known as vertebrae.
The most common cause is osteoporosis. Other common causes are trauma and metastatic neoplasia of the spine.
Acute fractures cause severe back pain, sometimes described as stabbing. Long-standing fractures/vertebral compression fractures may not cause symptoms and are often discovered during a spinal examination in patients who have lost height, walk with a stoop, or have mild but persistent back pain.
The suspected diagnosis is made by a clinical history and physical examination. It is confirmed by x-rays of the spine.
Most patients need painkillers, anti-inflammatory medication and rest, and sometimes surgery. The underlying cause also needs to be treated, such as osteoporosis.
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