It sounds worse than it really is. Spinal deformities can be very serious and I’m glad you are being cautious in regard to yours. 1 in 10 people have a compression deformity, of those only about 25% – 30% are even aware they have one. Compression deformities are generaly catergorised into 3 groups:
Wedge – reduction of anterior height compared to posterior height
Biconcave – reduction of midvertebral compared to posterior height
Crush – reduction of posterior height compared to posterior heights of adjacent vertebrae above and below.
The Wedge (which you have) is the most common. This injury can occour from simply lifting something. I did one picking up a petrol cap when I was 18. I experienced severe pain. The discs which make up the spinal column have concentric sacs of fluid surrounding them to cushion and seperate each disc. To put it roughly you have ruptured about 50% of these on one side, the anterior or front side. 40%+ is considered severe.
It’s not something you should be overly concered about just aware of. You are 20 so enjoy your life, no sense wrapping yourself up in cotton wool hey?. When you hit 60yrs these problems take greater importance as the constant tilt, arthritis, fragility, and slower repair times compound the problem.
The potential neurological deficit occours when all the sacs have been ruptured. ie 100% and the resulting disc on disc causes discomfort. Surgery is your only option as the sacs do not regenerate, your body can’t repair them. If a nerve is between the discs, and there are millions in your spine, you will experience severe neurological (nerve) pain as I did.
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