Clinical Presentation
In addition to (or instead of) sudden onset pain, patients may present with one or more of the following signs and symptoms:
- Difficulty sleeping (may sleep in a recliner to reduce load on the spine)
- Noticeable thoracic kyphosis or reduced lumbar lordosis
- Sudden height loss
- Pain on flexion
- Localized pain or tenderness on palpation
- Limited mobility and range of motion
Some patients will report minimal or no pain, and signs of a fracture may be limited to outward physical changes such as height loss or increased kyphosis.
In the case of multiple vertebral compression fractures, the patient may present with additional symptoms of a bulging abdomen, hip or neck pain, and/or gastrointestinal distress. The loss in height diminishes organ space, which can affect the stomach, intestines, or in severe cases, the lungs.
|
