Self Assessment Tool
| Spinal fractures usually occur as an outcome of osteoporosis. Spinal fractures can also result from cancer, malignant tumors or certain treatments for cancer. Most physicians agree that a spinal fracture should be suspected in anyone over the age of 50 who experiences sudden onset of back pain; however, sometimes a spinal fracture may not cause any symptoms at all. Because spinal fractures aren’t always accompanied by pain, anyone over age 50 (women especially) should report alterations in spinal mobility, height loss or a dowager’s hump to their physician. |
Differentiating between “normal” back pain and a spinal fracture is important. Take the self-assessment test below and talk to your doctor about your results. Only your doctor can determine if a spinal fracture has occurred.
Please note that this test has no score; rather, "Yes" answers yield supplemental information.
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1.
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I have mid- to low back pain.
Most patients with spinal fracture remember exactly what they were doing the moment the fracture occurred; however, if the bone collapses slowly over time instead of suddenly, the pain will most likely be mild, diffuse and have a gradual onset. Spinal fractures often occur during routine activity, such as bending over to pick something up or carrying a bag of groceries.
In cases where bone loss is advanced, a spinal fracture can occur with minimal activity such as sneezing or changing position in bed.
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No Yes
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2.
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It’s difficult for me to twist or turn because of my back.
Most spinal fractures are never diagnosed because patients and physicians alike often consider back pain a "normal" part of aging. Also, not all spinal fractures cause a sudden episode of pain. Adults suffering from chronic back pain should consult with a physician to determine the source or reason for their discomfort. In most cases, pain from a spinal fracture will last 4-6 weeks. This is how long it takes for the bone to heal. After that, patients typically complain of persistent pain in the area in which the fracture occurred. For some, this pain becomes chronic.
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No Yes
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3.
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I’m not as tall as I used to be.
The bones of the spinal column tend to “cave in” when fractured. Should several spinal fractures occur, your spine may begin to shorten and tilt forward. Just like dominoes, one spinal fracture can change the alignment of your spine and other vertebrae may fracture as a result. If several vertebrae collapse, the spinal column shortens and angles forward. This misalignment of the spine could cause you to lose inches in height.
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No Yes
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4.
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My posture has changed and I now have a dowager’s hump.
Kyphosis is the medical term for “dowager’s hump.” In addition to aesthetic concerns, kyphosis can adversely affect your health. As a person loses height, the abdominal contents are compressed into less space. This compression causes the abdomen to protrude and take on the appearance of a “pot belly.”
Abdominal compression can also affect the stomach, causing a feeling of fullness after having eaten very little. Many people with severe kyphosis are malnourished, despite a bulging abdomen.
Hip pain, especially at the top of the hip bone(s) occurs because kyphosis can cause the person to become so hunched over that the rib cage rests upon and rubs against the top if the hip.
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No Yes
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