Back Pain Treatment Training Practice Test

Minimal trauma is a common cause of compression fractures in the elderly because age-related factors, such as osteoporosis, significantly weaken bones, making them more susceptible to fractures from even low-impact activities. In older adults, everyday actions like bending, coughing, or lifting a light object can generate enough force to result in a compression fracture, particularly in the vertebrae of the spine.

This vulnerability arises from decreased bone density and structural changes in the bone that occur as people age, which lessen the bones' ability to withstand stress. Therefore, what may seem like minimal trauma to a younger, healthier individual can lead to serious consequences for seniors.

In contrast, the other options involve higher levels of impact or stress. Direct trauma and heavy lifting are more likely to cause fractures in individuals with healthy bone density or those engaged in strenuous activities, while high-impact sports are typically less common in the elderly due to physical limitations. Thus, minimal trauma accurately describes the everyday risks faced by older adults leading to compression fractures.