“Can even one cough break your spine?” ... Back pain after making kimchi [Health Talk]

[Financial News] After a slight back strain while moving napa cabbage for kimjang, the diagnosis at the hospital was “spinal fracture.” This is not uncommon among older adults with weakened bones. When osteoporosis is severe, a vertebra can collapse simply from lifting a heavy object or bending over, even without a fall.
A vertebral compression fracture is a condition in which a vertebra cannot withstand external pressure and collapses, becoming flattened. Osteoporosis is the main cause among older adults. Osteoporosis causes bone density to decline and the microstructure of bones to weaken, making them prone to breaking even after minor impacts. It often progresses unnoticed because it typically causes no obvious symptoms.

The problem comes after a fracture. When a vertebra collapses, the back may become hunched or spinal alignment may be disrupted, shifting the center of gravity forward and making walking unstable. This raises the risk of another fall, setting off a vicious cycle that can lead to further fractures. Patients who have had an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture face a high risk of additional fractures and need ongoing care.
Park Jeong-hyeon, director of the Spine Center at Juan Nanuri Hospital and a neurosurgeon, said, “A vertebral compression fracture in an older adult should not be viewed simply as an accident caused by a fall; osteoporosis, which weakened the bones, must also be considered.” He added, “If back or lower back pain continues after a fall, or if it becomes difficult to move, patients should be checked for a spinal fracture and undergo a thorough examination for osteoporosis.”
Diagnosis begins with a spinal X-ray to check for bone deformities and fractures. If needed, an MRI is used to examine in detail whether the fracture is acute and whether nearby nerves are compressed. A bone density test measures the severity of osteoporosis and helps assess the risk of further fractures.

Treatment is determined based on the severity of the fracture, pain, spinal stability and the patient’s overall condition. If the fracture is relatively stable and there are no neurological problems, conservative treatment—such as medication including painkillers, wearing a brace and limiting activity—is tried first. However, staying in bed for too long can weaken muscles and lead to complications, so it is important to resume movement at an appropriate time, as advised by medical professionals.
Percutaneous vertebroplasty may be considered if pain remains severe despite adequate conservative treatment or if daily activities are significantly limited. In this procedure, medical-grade bone cement is injected through a thin needle into the fractured vertebra to stabilize the fracture site. It may relieve pain, but it is not necessary for every patient with a compression fracture, so the decision should be made carefully based on imaging tests and symptoms.
What matters more is what happens after fracture treatment. Even if vertebroplasty stabilizes the fracture site, it does not cure osteoporosis itself. If the bones remain weak, new fractures can occur in other vertebrae or the hip. Osteoporosis medication, regular bone density tests, strength and balance exercises, and changes to the home environment to prevent falls should all be part of care.
Director Park emphasized, “The goal of treating a vertebral compression fracture is not just to relieve immediate pain, but to help patients walk safely again and maintain their daily lives.” He added, “Because the risk of further fractures rises once a fracture occurs, it is especially important to treat and manage osteoporosis consistently.”
 


[email protected] Jung Myung-jin, Medical Correspondent Reporter