What Are Spinal Fractures Caused by Osteoporosis? How Are They Treated?

What Are Spinal Fractures Caused by Osteoporosis? How Are They Treated?

Bone loss, known as osteoporosis, is characterized by a decrease in bone density and weakening of the bones. Spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis usually occur as a result of collapse or cracking of the spinal bones called vertebrae. Osteoporosis is a common condition, especially in postmenopausal women and elderly men. In advanced osteoporosis, spinal fractures may occur even with minimal trauma or during normal daily activities. Sometimes, back or lower back pain may develop during actions such as sneezing, sitting down, or driving over a speed bump; therefore, in patients with osteoporosis, the possibility of spinal fractures should always be kept in mind.

The symptoms and treatment methods of spinal fractures are as follows:

Symptoms:

     Pain: Spinal fractures usually cause pain in the area of the fracture (back pain, lower back pain).

Leg pain: In spinal fractures occurring in the lumbar region, pressure may sometimes be placed on the nerves that extend into the leg. This can cause leg pain, numbness, and loss of strength in the leg.

Loss of strength in the legs: If a spinal fracture causes compression within the spinal canal, this may lead to serious symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, weakness, urinary incontinence, and loss of bowel control.

Loss of height: Due to fractures, kyphosis may develop, resulting in a reduction in the patient’s height.

Postural changes: Alterations in the natural curves of the spine and forward bending may be observed.

Breathing problems: Advanced fractures may cause respiratory problems.

Treatment Options:

Medication Therapy:

Treatment should be initiated after confirming the presence of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis treatment is a long term process and must be carried out under the supervision of a physician.

Physical Therapy:

Physical therapy includes strategies such as posture correction, improving balance, and strengthening exercises.

Orthoses and Supportive Devices:

A lumbar brace or spinal supportive devices may be used to provide support after spinal fractures.

Pain Management:

Analgesic medications or anti inflammatory drugs may be used for pain control.

Surgical Intervention:

Severe spinal fractures may cause spinal cord compression or other serious complications and may require surgical intervention.

In patients with mild pain, no spinal cord compression, and no loss of alignment in the lumbar or thoracic spine, brace treatment may be sufficient. However, in cases with severe pain, pain control can be effectively achieved with vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty procedures.

These methods are effective, minimally invasive treatments performed under local anesthesia that strengthen the spine, relieve pain in a short time, and help restore spinal alignment.

In cases where spinal cord compression and related clinical symptoms are present, and there is a significant loss of spinal alignment, more extensive surgical procedures are required.

Each patient should be evaluated individually, and the treatment plan should be tailored specifically to the patient.