Can A Chiropractor Help With A Compression Fracture?

When feeling back pain that comes on quickly, it may be more than just a pinched nerve or a strained muscle. Compression fractures aren’t common but still affect anywhere from 700,000 to one million Americans per year. There are ways to combat the fractures, but chiropractors could be the key to relieving your pain.

Read here to find out what a compression fracture is, how it happens, and how a chiropractor can help with a compression fracture.

What is a Compression Fracture?

A compression fracture is a specific type of break that occurs in the vertebrae, which stack on top of each other to create the spinal column. Also known as vertebral fractures, osteoporotic fractures, or wedge fractures, compression fractures cause one of these vertebrae to collapse, making it shorter and placing pressure on the spinal cord.

The spine has many functions for the rest of the body. Not only does the spine bear the upper body’s weight, but it also protects the spinal cord from injury. An injury to a vertebrae can decrease the blood flow and amount of oxygen available to the pain point. This creates a cycle where the injury wants to heal but doesn’t have the tools to do so.

What Causes Compression Fractures?

There are many potential causes of a compression fracture, but the most common one is osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become fragile and break easily. The bones become less dense and change shape.

Other causes of compression fractures can include:

• Car accident
• A hard fall
• Sports injuries
• Lifting heavy objects
• Tumors

There can also be a combination of causes. Consult a chiropractor if you believe you may be suffering from a compression fracture.

Compression Fracture Symptoms

Compression fractures have many different symptoms, depending on the severity and location of the fracture. The most common symptom is pain, which can range from mild to severe. 

Other symptoms may consist of:

• Worsening back pain, lying down relieves pain, and standing makes it worse
• Decrease in height
• Limited movement in the spine (no bending or twisting)
• Poor, stooped over posture
• Numbness or tingling, weak muscles, and problems walking

Can a Chiropractor Help With a Compression Fracture?

A chiropractic expert can provide several treatments to fix compression fractures. The most common is spinal manipulation, or chiropractic adjustment, where the chiropractor realigns the bones into the proper place. The adjustment creates space for the spine to heal properly.

Adjustments can also provide some relief from pain and an increase in mobility. Your chiropractor may recommend stretches and other exercises to create space and strengthen the back muscles. Massages are also a standard tool for relaxing the muscles and relieving pain from compression fractures.

How to Prevent Compression Fractures

As osteoporosis is the most significant cause of compression fracture, there is no guarantee to avoid the injury. You can take steps to prevent injury, however. Keeping calcium and vitamin D content high is the most crucial tool to combat these fractures. Both are imperative to keep osteoporosis at bay.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Avoiding other negative habits helps prevent compression fractures. Smoking, tobacco especially, increases the chances of osteoporosis and different types of cancer. Besides the slew of other adverse effects of smoking, it particularly constricts blood flow. It can slow healing if you already have a compression fracture. Excessive alcohol intake can also impede healing and should be avoided. 

Daily Stretching

Depending on your overall health and ability, weight-bearing exercises and stretches can be beneficial for keeping your muscles and bones strong. Consult a medical professional before engaging in exercises or stretches that may cause more harm.

Compression Fracture Treatment in Clearwater, FL

When confronted with compression fractures and the pain that comes with them, it may feel like there is no help. Fortunately, chiropractic can help. Our chiropractors in Clearwater, FL, have resolved many musculoskeletal problems over decades of service.

Call 727-447-4647 or contact our office today to schedule an appointment!

About the Author: With over three decades of experience, Dr. Jere Jarrett is a highly educated and experienced chiropractor who serves Clearwater, FL, and the surrounding areas. He takes a “whole-body” approach to chiropractic care. Instead of treating symptoms, Dr. Jarrett looks for the underlying cause of pain and discomfort. Call 727-447-4647 to schedule an appointment!