Osteoporosis is a “silent” disease characterized by weakening of bones, making them more susceptible to fractures, typically in the hip and spine. Elderly people and especially post-menopausal women are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis.

The mid to lower back area of the spine is mainly involved in weight-bearing, making these regions of spine more prone to collapse when bone weakness is present. This can lead to spinal (vertebral) compression fractures. Many of these vertebral compression fractures occur by minimal trauma or by no trauma at all. They can even occur while performing simple activities, like bending or twisting. 

Symptoms range from severe pain in the back, arms and legs to no pain at all. You may believe that your back pain is just a part of ageing, letting these vertebral compression fractures go undiagnosed. However, a single vertebral fracture significantly increases your risk of further fractures. When multiple fractures occur, it causes the spine to become rounded and bend forward, resulting in loss of height and a hunchback appearance. This forward curvature of the spine negatively affects the quality of life and makes it more difficult for you to breathe, eat, walk or sleep. Vertebral compression fractures can also occur from conditions such as a metastatic tumour, multiple myeloma, and vertebral hemangioma.