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Vertebral compression fractures, or VTF, happen when the bones get thin or if there is a trauma or injury to the back. It's not uncommon among older people to develop VTF. As the vertebrae in the back begin to thin or are broken, they begin to compress on to one another. Left untreated, this can develop into a kyphosis or curved back, often called a dowager's hump.
The danger to leaving VTF untreated is that as the vertebrae begin to collapse onto one another and the back begins to curve, there is less room for the lungs to expand and breathing can become difficult. As well, it's painful and you can start having problems moving around and doing the every day things.
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