VCF Symptoms

The symptoms associated with a vertebral compression fracture will vary considerably from individual to individual. The following list includes the most common symptoms associated with osteoporosis or cancer-related fractures:^{(12, 13, 17, 22)}

• Sudden onset of severe, “knifelike" back pain
• Chronic or gradual onset of back pain
• Loss of height, as much as six inches over time
• Kyphosis (curved back), commonly called a dowager’s hump: altering posture in an attempt to compensate for the kyphotic deformity can affect how you walk and strain your back, neck, and joints
• Stomach complaints: a shorter spine can compress the stomach causing it to bulge and resulting in constipation, loss of appetite, and weight loss
• Hip pain: a shortened spine brings the rib cage closer the hip bones, causing pain and discomfort as these bones rub against each other
• Breathing problems: as the spine becomes severely compressed, the lungs may not function properly

Pressure on the spinal cord from kyphosis may rarely produce symptoms of:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weakness
• Difficulty walking
• Loss of control of the bowel or bladder