iarjaccIARJACCIARJACC2709-1880https://doi.org/10.47310/iarjacc.2022.v03i02.021Fractures of the Vertebra: Diagnosis and TreatmentVermaNVermaADBrandonOver 700,000 Americans suffer from Vertebral Compression Fractures (VCFs), the most prevalent osteoporosis consequence. Four in 10 white women over 50 will break a hip, spine, or vertebrae. VCFs can cause persistent pain, deformity, height loss, poor daily functioning, pressure sores, pneumonia and psychological suffering. Patients with acute VCF may experience back pain when coughing, sneezing, or lifting. Kyphosis and midline spine discomfort are common physical exam findings. Asymptomatic patients are detected accidentally on plain radiography in over two-thirds. Acetaminophen, NSAIDs, opioids and calcitonin can treat acute VCFs. Physicians must consider drug side effects in older patients. Other conservative treatments include a limited amount of bed rest, a brace, physical therapy, nerve root blocks and epidural injections. Percutaneous vertebral augmentation, which includes vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, is controversial, but it may be an option for people who can't get rid of their pain without surgery or whose quality of life is significantly affected. Family physicians can prevent vertebral fractures by managing risk factors and treating osteoporosis.