Relationship between Spine Pain and Osteoporosis

Any bone can be affected by osteoporosis, but bone fractures of the spine - the vertebrae - are especially severe. Vertebrae fractures can cause severe Spinal Pain and can also lead to deformity of the spine as it becomes weak and difficult to support the weight. With this disease, you may notice that the upper part of the back begins to curve. Osteoporosis can also cause the patient to reduce their height because the bones are not as strong. Osteoporosis is more common in the elderly, but it can occur in younger people as well. Women, especially post-menopausal women, are the most susceptible to developing osteoporosis, but that does not mean men can not develop it, either. It is estimated that 80% of the 10 million American people with osteoporosis are women, which means that approximately 2 million men also suffer from this disease. Osteoporosis is a silent disease. At the beginning of the disease, there may be no symptoms. Many patients only begin to suspect that something is wrong when there is dull bone pain or muscle pain that develops in the lower back or neck. Over time, acute pain can develop suddenly and last for several days or months. As osteoporosis progressively decreases bone density, the risk of fracture increases. The wrists, hips, and spine are the most common fracture sites. If left undiagnosed and untreated, osteoporosis may predispose to sudden and painful fractures by compression of the vertebrae leading to severe Spinal Pain. These compression fractures of the spine can also cause the top of the spine to curve forward, producing a hump (dorsal hyper kyphosis). In severe cases of vertebral osteoporosis, the nervous system is affected and can be experienced in addition to Spinal pain, numbness, tingling or weakness. If the patient has severe kyphosis, he (she) may also experience difficulty walking and balance problems, which means he has an increased risk of falls and fractures of other bones, such as the hips. That is why it is advisable to use equipment that helps in the mobility of the patient as canes or walker. The amazing thing about osteoporosis is that it is preventable. If anyone is at risk of suffering from this disease there are options modifying lifestyle such as modifying the diet, eliminate smoking habits, and change the sedentary life. For this last aspect, there are some exercises that can be done to keep bones strong and healthy over the years. In summary, check the diet and be sure to consume enough calcium and vitamin D. It is also important to exercise regularly with weight load if the condition allows, as well as strengthening exercises. Good nutrition and exercise are the ones that build and help keep bones strong. If a patient has passed menopause or andropause, has undergone chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or has chronic undiagnosed Spine pain, they should see their doctor as soon as possible. Early treatment is essential for the prevention of fractures related to osteoporosis. It is important to remember that osteoporosis is not only a pathology of women, men can also develop this metabolic bone disease.