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Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density resulting in brittle, fragile bones that are more susceptible to fractures. The condition most commonly affects elderly women. Osteoporosis-related fractures are more common at the vertebral bodies of the spine. Osteoporosis is called a “silent disease,” as a majority of the patients may be unaware of their condition until they develop a bone fracture.
The factors that increase the risk of developing osteoporosis include:
Osteoporosis in the spine can weaken bones and result in compression fractures, where the front of the bone collapses causing the spine to curve into a hunchback with loss of height. It may also cause pain, gastrointestinal and breathing problems, and disturbed sleep
An accurate diagnosis of osteoporosis is essential to prevent future spinal compression fractures and to maintain a healthy spine. Your doctor will arrive at the diagnosis of osteoporosis based on the medical history, physical examination and neurological examination to evaluate your muscle strength, reflexes and sensations. X-rays, MRI, CT and bone scans of the spine may show fracture of the vertebrae. Your doctor may also order a bone densitometry scan, also called dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to measure bone density using a very low dose of X-ray.
Osteoporosis cannot be cured, but can be managed. Treatment is based on the patient’s age, gender, fracture risk and bone status. There are different treatment options available for the management of osteoporosis including lifestyle changes, weight-bearing exercises, calcium and vitamin D supplements, hormone replacement therapy, and medications to stop bone loss and strengthen bones. Pain medications and spinal bracing are often recommended. When these methods fail to relieve symptoms, your surgeon may perform kyphoplasty, where a small deflated balloon is inserted into the fractured vertebra and inflated to restore its height, or vertebroplasty, where cement is injected into the narrowed vertebra.
Osteoporosis can be controlled and the complications can be prevented if detected early. Some of the preventive measures that can help reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis include:
Neurospine is a specialist medical practice providing comprehensive treatment of all spine (back) conditions encompassing degenerative, infectious, traumatic, tumor and vascular conditions. Our neurosurgical services also include all brain conditions both adult and pediatric populations encompassing trauma, congenital malformations, hydrocephalus, vascular and brain tumors
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