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Spine Fractures Due to Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis causes a progressive loss of bone density and stability. Over time, these factors increase the chances of dangerous bone degradation and fracture. Spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis can lead to significant short- and long-term physical difficulties.

  1. The Facts

    • The early stages of osteoporosis may cause no obvious symptoms, and in many cases, pain from a sudden spinal fracture is the first sign of problems. For this reason, osteoporosis is sometimes referred to as a "silent" disease.

    Symptoms and Effects

    • Symptoms and effects of osteoporosis-related spinal fracture include sharp pain at the time of injury, chronic pain in the aftermath of injury, height loss, deformed curvature of the back (kyphosis) and crowding of the internal organs.

    Significance

    • In some sufferers of osteoporosis, spinal fracture can result from moderate everyday activities like opening a window. As the condition progresses, even minor daily actions such as sneezing or coughing can cause a fracture.

    Prevention

    • Bone mineral density tests can detect osteoporosis before dangerous spinal changes occur. Medications and physical therapy can greatly diminish the chances of fracture.

    Considerations

    • Although osteoporosis fractures are typically associated with women and the elderly, they can also occur in men or in individuals as young as 40 or 50.

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