Compression fractures may cause no symptoms and only be discovered when x-rays of the spine are done for other reasons. Over time, the following symptoms may occur:

• Back pain with chronic or gradual onset
• Loss of height, as much as 6 inches over time
• Stooped over posture or kyphosis, also called a "dowager’s hump"

Compression fractures may also occur suddenly, causing severe back pain that is:

• Most commonly felt in mid to lower part of the spine, but may also be felt on the sides or in the front.
• Described as “knifelike” and usually disabling, often taking weeks to months to go away

Pressure on the spinal cord from kyphosis may rarely produce symptoms of:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weakness
• Difficulty walking
• Loss of control of the bowel or bladder

• Physical examination may show hunchback (kyphosis). There is also tenderness over the injured vertebrae.
• A spine x-ray shows at least one compressed vertebra that is shorter than the other vertebrae.

Other tests that may be done:

• A bone density test to evaluate for osteoporosis
• A CT or MRI scan if there is concern that the fracture was caused by a tumor, or if the fracture was caused by high-energy trauma (such as a fall from a height or car accident)