A T12 or L1 compression fracture most commonly happens as a wedge fracture, which occurs when the front part of the vertebra collapses and the back doesn’t, making the bone look like a wedge. Osteoporosis, which causes decreased bone density, is a common risk factor for compression fractures.

How is spinal cord compression treated?

1. Medicines may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that relieve pain and swelling, and steroid injections that reduce swelling.
2. Physical therapy may include exercises to strengthen your back, abdominal, and leg muscles.

Compression fractures usually heal on their own in about 3 months. While that happens, your doctor may suggest you try some things at home that can make you feel better, such as pain medicines, rest, physical therapy, or a back brace.

Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) occur when the bony block or vertebral body in the spine collapses, which can lead to severe pain, deformity and loss of height. These fractures more commonly occur in the thoracic spine (the middle portion of the spine), especially in the lower part.

Low impact activities, such as walking or tai chi, are good for your heart, and a healthy circulatory system can increase blood flow to the fracture and help your bones heal faster. It’s also essential to avoid bed rest to minimize your chances of developing blood clots or deep vein thrombosis in your legs.

Pain is often described as sharp or burning. Numbness or tingling. People who have a herniated disk often have radiating numbness or tingling in the body part served by the affected nerves.

Kyphoplasty—this surgical operation corrects bone deformations resulting from a spinal compression fracture. Like a vertebroplasty, a bone cement is used to secure a damaged vertebra, but this procedure uses a tiny balloon to create a space into which the compound is inserted.

Heat and ice: Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain. Apply heat on your back for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours for as many days as directed. Heat helps decrease pain and muscle spasms.

Pain from a spinal compression fracture allowed to heal naturally can last as long as three months. But the pain usually improves significantly in a matter of days or weeks. Pain management may include analgesic pain medicines, bed rest, back bracing, and physical activity. Pain medications.