Are vertebral compression fractures difficult to diagnose?
Vertebral compression fractures are under-recognized by physicians and patients alike, and in that respect, they are difficult to diagnose. About two-thirds of all osteoporotic spinal fractures are not diagnosed. A person may have a spinal fracture and not have symptoms. On the other hand, a person with a spinal fracture may consider the discomfort simply “back pain,” and not realize the importance of having the source, or reason for the pain, correctly diagnosed. A complete physical exam, together with an x-ray and MRI, can help your physician distinguish between pain caused by a vertebral compression fracture or something else. Also, it’s important to know whether or not you have osteoporosis, because with proper diagnosis and treatment, the disease progression can be slowed. Q:How does a VCF occur? A: Disease or an injury can cause the vertebrae to either partially or completely collapse. After an initial vertebral fracture, the risk for having another fracture is increased fivefold
