VERTEBRAL COMPRESSION FRACTURES 

A compression fracture is a type of fracture or break of the vertebrae. The vertebrae are the bones in the back that are stacked on top of each other to make the spine. The spine supports weight, allows movement and protects the spinal cord and the nerves that go from it to the rest of the body. Compression fractures can cause the vertebrae to collapse, making them shorter in height. This collapse can also cause pieces of bone to press on the spinal cord and nerves, decreasing the amount of blood and oxygen that gets to the spinal cord.