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Vertebral compression fractures
A healthy vertebra will not break unless subjected to a forceful injury, such as in a car accident. By contrast, even minor trauma--such as a sneeze--can cause a compression fracture of a vertebra weakened by osteoporosis, Paget's disease, hyperparathyroidism, or cancer. Osteoporosis (reduced bone mass) is the most common cause of vertebral compression fractures.
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