Relief from Symptoms of Osteoporosis and Compression Fractures

Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens your bones, making them more likely to break. It often causes a broken hip or wrist, or compression fractures in your vertebrae (small breaks in your spine bones). In fact, compression fractures in your spine from osteoporosis are often the first sign you have the disease. Otherwise, many people with osteoporosis don’t notice any symptoms. 

Osteoporosis causes most compression fractures — those with severe osteoporosis can break a bone from something as minor as sneezing or a sudden movement. Over time, compression fractures weaken your spine, causing it to curve forward, called kyphosis. 

Compression fracture symptoms include: 

• Back pain that worsens when you stand or walk 
• Difficulty bending or twisting your back 
• Height loss (from compressed vertebrae or increased curving of your spine) 
• Tingling or numbness from pinched nerves in your back 

One of the best ways to prevent osteoporosis — and compression fractures from osteoporosis — is to get enough calcium and vitamin D and do regular weight-bearing exercises. We use these same preventive approaches, along with medicine, to treat osteoporosis.   

We offer a variety of nonsurgical options to treat osteoporosis-related compression fractures, including medicines and braces. If nonsurgical approaches aren’t enough to relieve your symptoms, a percutaneous vertebroplasty is performed to treat osteoporosis-related compression fractures. This minimally invasive surgery relieves severe pain, restores lost height in your spine and repairs the broken vertebra. You and your doctor will decide what’s right for you. 

Our Team Approach to Back Care