A compression fracture in your spine is likely going to lead to some serious back pain. For some, this is a sharp and sudden pain at the time of injury. For others, the pain slowly gets worse over time and will never go away. No matter what, it is important to seek proper medical attention. A spinal compression fracture is nothing to take lightly.
Now, back pain itself can have many sources, so how do you know if you’re dealing with a compression fracture? There are four specific symptoms that may indicate it. They are:
- A slight loss in height. If your spine compresses enough, you could actually appear shorter than you have been in the past.
- A curve in your spine. This could also lead to the loss of height noted above. It may give you a slightly stooped shape.
- Difficulty twisting and bending. Even actions that do not seem all that complicated could suddenly become nearly impossible for you to do.
- Pain that subsides when you are lying down, but that gets worse any time you are on your feet. Your own weight pushing down on the compression fracture makes the pain worse. Lying down shifts that weight so that you don’t feel it as keenly, though the injury is still there.
Of course, if you suspect that you have a spinal compression fracture, the best thing to do is get an x-ray. Doctors can help you determine exactly what you’re dealing with. If you got hurt at work, make sure you understand all of your legal options and how to document the medical process.
