Osteoporosis & Back Pain

Osteoporosis literally means "porous bones." It is a condition in which bone mass decreases. This increases the risk of fractures in the hip, spine or wrist. It could lead to severe back pain. If left untreated, osteoporosis will continue to steal bone mass until a person is too fragile to move. A fracture at this stage could be deadly.

Fracture

• Osteoporosis creates weakened bones that can lead to a spine fracture or the collapse of vertebrae. This can occur for apparently no reason. It is a severe and disabling condition. Pain attacks the back and radiates throughout the limbs. This can also affect the roots of the nerves.

Symptoms

• Osteoporosis affecting the back causes symptoms like the loss of height. A change in posture can occur with the head pushed forward and the upper back hunched over. Sudden back pain appears with no visible cause.

Risks

• Certain conditions raise your risk in developing osteoporosis. Considerations include a family history of osteoporosis, a lifetime diet that is insufficient in calcium, being older than 50 and smoking. Exercising infrequently or too much can affect bone density.

Vitamins

• Calcium is important in warding off osteoporosis. Take 1,200 mg a day if you are older than 50. It is best to split the dose in half since the body can only absorb a limited amount of calcium at one time. This means that 600 mg should be taken in the morning and then again at night. Vitamin D should be taken along with calcium because it boosts the body's ability to absorb the calcium. Your daily requirement of vitamin D can be achieved by exposing yourself to sunshine for just 10 minutes a day.

Exercise

• Take it easy when exercising when you have osteoporosis. Exercise is needed to keep the muscles strong in order to reduce the risk of falls. Load-bearing exercises stimulate the building of bone mass. Walking or weight lifting are good exercises for osteoporosis sufferers.