A collapsed vertebra, usually from osteoporosis and often from an injury too minor to seem like a cause.
What it is
Weakened bone gives way under load. In significant osteoporosis this can happen from a cough, a sneeze or lifting a shopping bag.
It is a common and often missed cause of sudden severe back pain in older adults.
How it usually presents
- Sudden severe back pain, often with a clear moment of onset.
- Much worse on standing and walking, better lying flat.
- Localised tenderness over one spinal level.
- Loss of height or increasing forward curvature over time.
How we treat it
- Imaging to confirm the level and the age of the fracture.
- Bracing and pain control in the acute phase.
- Vertebral augmentation referral for selected fractures.
- Bone-density assessment and treatment, because the next fracture is the one worth preventing.
To be assessed, call (314) 310-5577 or request an appointment.
Common questions
Is this an emergency?
Sudden severe back pain in an older adult should be assessed promptly. Any leg weakness, numbness in the saddle area, or bladder or bowel change needs an emergency department the same day.
Hurt in an accident? Start here.
You do not need a lawyer, a police report or a referral to be seen. Bring your symptoms and we will work out the rest.
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Same-day appointments are often available for new accident and injury patients.