Back pain is not just part of getting older. If you’re over 55, back pain can be a sign of tiny cracks in your vertebrae, the bones that make up the spine. These spine fractures tend to strike people with weakened, brittle bones, which is an abnormal condition called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis commonly affects postmenopausal women, but it also can affect older men. Osteoporosis can be quite advanced before people know they have it, and often a spine fracture is the first clue. When osteoporosis is advanced, simple things like missing a step or slipping, a fall or even a coughing fit can lead to a spine fracture!
Preventing Compression Fractures
Treating Compression Fractures
There are several options for treating compression fractures. Unfortunately, up to 2/3 of people with a new compression fracture are not treated promptly or at all, often given instructions to take over the counter analgesics like Advil or Tylenol and “take it easy”. When this happens, the fracture can progress from a slight deformity to a vertebral collapse or wedge compression deformity. This often leads to a deformity called “kyphosis” or a stooped over posture.