What's Happening
A vertebral compression fracture happens when the front of a spinal bone partially collapses or wedges, most often because osteoporosis has weakened it. It's surprisingly common — sometimes triggered by nothing more than turning in bed, coughing, or sneezing — though trauma can cause one too. Many people feel sudden back pain; others notice it gradually, through a stooped posture or loss of height.
How We Approach It
Confirm what's going on — imaging confirms the fracture and rules out other causes.
Protect it early — gentle, guided movement typically begins around two weeks in, alongside pain management.
Build extension-based strength — exercises that actively counter the forward-collapse pattern.
Restore safe daily movement — walking and weight-bearing activity to protect bone health going forward.
Why We Emphasize Extension
Compression fractures push the spine toward a rounded, forward-collapsed posture — so treatment deliberately works the opposite direction:
Prone or seated extension exercises — gently arching the upper back against that forward pattern
Thoracic extension over a rolled towel or foam roller to restore extension mobility
Scapular retraction and postural strengthening to hold a taller, more upright position
Flexion-biased moves — crunches, toe touches, rounded-back lifting — are avoided while healing
Movements We Guide You Around
While the fracture heals, we help you avoid:
Forward bending at the waist, and rapid or deep twisting of the spine
Lifting that loads the spine in a rounded position
We'll show you safer ways to sit, stand, bend at the hips, and get in and out of bed
When to Seek Immediate Care
Loss of bladder or bowel control
New leg weakness, numbness, or difficulty walking
Bottom line: Most compression fractures heal well with guided movement, posture training, and time. Procedures like kyphoplasty are reserved for pain that hasn't eased after several weeks of conservative care.