What is a Compression Fracture?

Have you heard about compression fracture? Do you know when it usually happens and why, and what the reasons for it to happen in your body? I am going to tell you about this type of fracture-related injury.  This will really help you understand about what a compression fracture is and how you can prevent yourself from becoming the victim of this type of injury.

Compression fracture is one the kind of condition we have today which is very common among people at an older age. It is associated with the fractured spinal cord. Do you know the importance of spinal cord in your body? With the help of spinal cord, we are able to sit and stand straight on our feet. It gives support to your body. So, what would happen if you have a compression type of injury in the vertebral column? We will be unable to walk or sit properly.

A fractured spinal cord is due to some trauma or due to the weakened bones or vertebral column. The bones become weak due to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is the condition that involves thinning of the bones due to lack of calcium in body. A person suffering from Osteoporosis is prone to have a fractured spinal cord. It is not only osteoporosis that is responsible for compression injury because an accident or ejection seats are also responsible for this injury.

An x-ray is suggested to assess the extent of the injury. Sometime an X-ray is not sufficient though. MRI or CT scan is also done to diagnose the compression fracture. MRI and CT scan prevents the spinal cord from the side effects of the harmful x-rays.