Question
I was recently diagnosed with a compression fracture of T5 &T7.  Bone density test show no osteoprosis.  I have suffered no recent trauma.  I did have an auto accident and had fractures of T5 through T7, but that was 40 years ago.  I lift weights regularly.  Any ideas what may have caused this? Thank you.

Answer
In normal otherwise healthy individuals, compression fractures of the vertebrae usually occur with trauma, so if you had no acute injuries that caused them you may have some underlying bone density issues. However, since you have had no recent traumas and the bone density scans are normal, then I would venture to say that your compression fractures are old ones - most likely from the car accident you had years ago.

In any case, lifting weights is one of the best things you can do to keep bone density levels high so keep it up! You may also want to consider supplementing with calcium and vitamin D if it is something your physician recommends.