Spinal Fracture Causes & Risks

Causes

A vertebral fracture can be caused by:

• Osteoporosis —a condition of weakened bones
• Getting a blow to the back
• Falling down
• Landing on your heels when jumping from a height
• Having major trauma as from a motor vehicle accident

Risk Factors

Other than trauma, osteoporosis is the main cause of most vertebral fractures.

Factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis include the following:

• Race: Caucasian or Asian
• Sex: female
• Advancing age:
  • Females: 60 and older
  • Males: 70 and older
• Postmenopausal
• Stroke
• Hyperthyroidism
• Use of certain medications
  • Long-acting benzodiazepines
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Long-term steroid use
• Limited physical activity
• Housebound
• Poor nutrition
• Smoking
• Mother or maternal grandmother with hip fracture (a genetic disposition)
• Other factors that may increase the risk of vertebral fractures include the following:
  • Use of antipsychotic medications
  • Poor mental functioning
  • Poor mobility
  • Poor strength
  • Previous vertebral fracture within the last year