An osteoporotic spinal fracture happens when a weakened vertebra (spinal bone) squashes down, often after little or no injury. It can cause sudden back pain, height loss or a more curved spine, though some fractures cause few symptoms. Diagnosis and bone treatment come from your GP or specialist, and safe, guided exercise is recommended to help with pain, strength, balance and confidence.
Also known as vertebral compression fracture, spinal fracture, fragility fracture of the spine, wedge fracture
Symptoms
- Sudden back pain, sometimes after bending, lifting, coughing or a minor fall
- Muscle spasm around the spine
- Loss of height
- A more curved upper back or change in posture
- Pain on standing or walking that eases when lying down
- Some fractures cause little or no pain
Causes and risk factors
- Osteoporosis (low bone strength), which becomes more common after the menopause and with age
- Long-term use of steroid tablets
- Previous fragility fractures or a family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture
- Low body weight, smoking, high alcohol intake and low physical activity
- Conditions affecting bone health, such as rheumatoid arthritis or early menopause
What the evidence says helps
- A medical diagnosis is the first step. UK guidance recommends that anyone with a suspected spinal fracture is assessed for osteoporosis and considered for bone-strengthening treatment to reduce the risk of further fractures.51
- UK consensus guidance supported by the Royal Osteoporosis Society recommends exercise after spinal fracture to help reduce pain and improve mobility and quality of life, ideally with specialist advice and a gradual return to normal activities.3
- A recent meta-analysis found exercise improved physical function, balance, trunk strength, pain and quality of life after spinal fracture, with a low risk of side effects similar to usual care.4
- A Cochrane review found exercise probably improves physical performance slightly, but evidence for pain, quality of life and preventing further fractures or falls is uncertain because trials are small and varied.2
- Expert recommendations favour strength, balance and back extensor endurance exercise, guidance on spine-sparing movement such as hip hinging, and avoiding repeated heavy forward bending rather than blanket restrictions.36
Things you can try at home
- Follow your GP or specialist's advice on pain relief and bone medication
- Keep moving gently within comfort, with short walks and regular changes of position; avoid long periods of bed rest
- Bend from the hips and knees rather than rounding your back when lifting or reaching low
- Build up strength and balance exercises gradually, ideally with guidance
- Make your home safer from falls: good lighting, clear floors and secure rugs
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- See a GP urgently for sudden new back pain or height loss if you are over 50, have osteoporosis or take long-term steroids
- Call 999 or go to A&E for numbness, weakness or tingling in the legs, difficulty walking, or loss of bladder or bowel control
- Go to A&E for severe back pain after a significant fall or injury
- See a GP urgently if back pain comes with a history of cancer, unexplained weight loss, fever or night sweats
- See a GP if severe pain is not controlled with your usual pain relief or is getting steadily worse
How Apollo can help
We work alongside your GP or specialist after a spinal fracture has been diagnosed; we do not diagnose or treat the fracture itself. Our team provides assessment of strength, balance and movement, explanation, gentle hands-on care where appropriate, and a progressive, supervised exercise programme guided by UK osteoporosis exercise recommendations. We also offer advice on safe movement for daily life and can liaise with your GP if new symptoms appear.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to exercise after a spinal fracture?
For most people, yes. UK consensus guidance recommends exercise to help pain, mobility and quality of life after a spinal fracture, starting gently and progressing gradually. It is best to get individual advice on which exercises suit you and which movements, such as repeated heavy forward bending, to limit.
How long does an osteoporotic spinal fracture take to heal?
Broken bones generally take around 6 to 12 weeks to heal, and pain often eases over this time. The vertebra heals in its compressed shape, so some people are left with height loss, a change in posture or ongoing back pain that can be managed.
Can an osteoporotic spinal fracture cause paralysis?
The Royal Osteoporosis Society states that spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis are stable and do not cause paralysis. However, new numbness, weakness in the legs or bladder or bowel problems always need urgent medical attention.
References
- Royal Osteoporosis Society. Symptoms of osteoporosis (spinal fractures). View source
- Gibbs JC, et al. (2019). Exercise for improving outcomes after osteoporotic vertebral fracture. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. View source
- Brooke-Wavell K, et al. (2022). Strong, steady and straight: UK consensus statement on physical activity and exercise for osteoporosis. British Journal of Sports Medicine. View source
- Fernandez-Gonzalez M, et al. (2026). Effectiveness and safety of physical exercise and health education for the management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Osteoporosis International. View source
- Gregson CL, et al. (2025). The 2024 UK clinical guideline for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis (National Osteoporosis Guideline Group). Archives of Osteoporosis. View source
- Giangregorio L, et al. (2015). Too Fit To Fracture: outcomes of a Delphi consensus process on physical activity and exercise recommendations for adults with osteoporosis with or without vertebral fractures. Osteoporosis International. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
