The vertebrae, which support the spinal cord, are made up of bones and are stacked one on top of the other to form the spinal column. The cortical bone, which is robust and hard like any other bone, forms the outside of the vertebrae. But there is soft, spongy cancellous bone on the inner of the vertebrae. The condition that makes this cancellous bone progressively weaker is osteoporosis.
Since osteoporosis is a "silent disease," many patients may not receive a diagnosis until one of their bones has broken. Osteoporosis is characterised by a decrease in bone density, leaving the bones weak and liable to fracture spontaneously or after a minor accident. Osteoporotic fractures are what are known as these fractures, and they are particularly prevalent in the hips and vertebrae.
However, osteoporosis can be avoided by leading a healthy lifestyle that includes eating foods high in calcium, quitting smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation, and avoiding some types of medications.
VERTEBRAL COMPRESSION FRACTURE CAUSES
Osteoporosis, metastatic tumours, trauma, and osteoporosis are the three main causes of vertebral compression fractures. Because the most prevalent cause of osteoporosis, which lowers bone density, vertebral compression fractures can occur with very little or no force. These fractures most frequently affect menopausal women, but they can also affect older males and persons who have taken corticosteroids for a prolonged period of time.
SYMPTOMS OF VERTEBRAL COMPRESSION FRACTURE
Symptoms of a vertebral compression fracture can include one or more of the following: sharp, belt-like pain, restricted motion of the spinal column, height loss, and increasing pain while standing or moving around. To validate the clinical diagnosis, radiological tests will be required in any scenario.
HOW TO AVOID FRACTURES DUE TO OSTEOPOROSIS
Strengthening and protecting your bones is the most crucial step in preventing fractures. Medication and lifestyle modifications, such as giving up smoking and starting a strength-training regimen, can help with this.
It's crucial to adhere to your doctor's recommended course of action and schedule routine tests for bone density. Your healthcare practitioner can supervise your treatment plan and determine whether the medications are effective with the use of a bone mineral density (BMD) test.
The BMD can evaluate your bone health and assist in forecasting your future fracture risk. The following may aid in stopping or reducing bone loss.
