What are the classic symptoms of a vertebral compression fracture?

A vertebral compression fracture typically presents with intense focal vertebral pain and tenderness. Patients often describe the pain as sharp or localized, worsening with movement or weight-bearing activities. This pain usually arises in the region of the fracture and can sometimes occur suddenly, particularly after a minor trauma or even with activities like bending or lifting.

In addition to the pain, tenderness is commonly elicited upon physical examination. The affected vertebra may be palpably tender, and characteristic spinal deformities, such as kyphosis, can develop over time due to progressive fractures. Although compression fractures can lead to various complications, including neurological deficits in some cases, the primary hallmark symptom remains the severe localized pain and tenderness.

The other options encompass symptoms that can be associated with different conditions or complications. For example, progressive back pain and neurological deficits may suggest other forms of spinal pathology, such as disc herniation or spinal tumors. Lower extremity weakness and numbness are typically signs of nerve involvement that are not directly associated with the initial presentation of a vertebral compression fracture. Chest pain and dyspnea are also not relevant as these symptoms pertain to thoracic or respiratory issues rather than spinal injury.