Compression fractures in the spine can occur as a result of a trauma such as a fall or car accident. They can also occur without trauma if the bone weakens over time. Bones can change in structure and weaken over time in certain conditions such as osteoporosis. Some risk factors for osteoporotic compression fractures include female age, being elderly (>80), a history of taking certain medications such as steroids, a history of smoking, heavy alcohol use (current or past), and a history of cancer. The pain of a compression fracture is usually felt centrally and it is quite severe. You may also experience pain when coughing, sneezing, and lifting. Our therapists are trained to detect spinal fractures as part of our assessment and will create a custom treatment plan to get the recovery you need including medical referral for imaging as needed. If your doctor has told you that you have osteoporosis, please inform your therapist as you may not be a good candidate for all types of treatment techniques such as spinal manipulations.