Is it Just Back Pain or a Fracture?

Differentiating between "normal" back pain and a spinal fracture is important. Take the quiz below and talk with your doctor about your results.

1. I have mid- to lower back pain. (Yes or No)
Many patients remember exactly what they were doing the moment their spinal fracture occurred; however, if the spinal bone collapses over time instead of suddenly, the pain will most likely be mild, diffuse and have a gradual onset. Spinal fractures often occur during routine activity such as bending over to pick something up or carrying a bag of groceries.

2. It's difficult for me to twist or turn because of my back. (Yes or No)
Most spinal fractures are never diagnosed, in part because back pain is often considered a normal part of aging. Also, not all spinal fractures cause sudden onset of pain. Adults suffering from chronic back pain should consult a physician to find out the source of their discomfort. In most cases, pain from a spinal fracture will last 4-6 weeks. This is how long it takes for the bone to heal. After that, patients typically complain of persistent pain in the area in which the fracture occurred. For some, the pain becomes chronic.

3. I'm not as tall as I used to be. (Yes or No)
The bones of the spinal column tend to "cave in" when fractured. Should several spinal fractures occur, your spine may begin to shorten and tilt forward. Just like dominoes, one spinal fracture can change the alignment of your spine and other vertebrae may fracture as a result. If several vertebrae collapse, the spinal column shortens and angles forward. This misalignment of the spine could cause you to lose inches in height.

4. My posture has changed and I now have a dowager's hump. (Yes or No)
Kyphosis is the medical term for "dowager's hump." In addition to aesthetic concerns, kyphosis can adversely affect your health. As a person loses height, the abdominal contents are compressed as space in the abdominal cavity decreases. This compression causes the abdomen to protrude and take on the appearance of a "pot belly."

Abdominal compression can also affect the stomach, causing a feeling of fullness after having eaten very little. Many people with severe kyphosis are malnourished, despite a bulging abdomen.

Hip pain, especially at the top of the hip bone(s) occurs because kyphosis causes the person to become so hunched over that the rib cage rests upon and rubs against the top if the hip.

The materials on this Web site are for your general educational information only. Information you read on this Web site cannot replace the relationship that you have with your health care professional. We do not practice medicine, or provide medical services or advice as a part of this Web site. You should always talk to your health care professional for diagnosis and treatment.