Spinal compression fractures and osteoporosis were once thought to be only a woman’s disease and one that affected only older women. But that’s not true. Men and women of all ages need to know about the symptoms and treatments of this condition.
Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disorder characterized by the progressive loss of bone mass density. It predominantly affects the thoracic and thoracolumbar regions of the spine and is a serious contributing factor to hip and wrist fractures that occur from falling. Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak, fragile and susceptible to fracture. This can cause loss of height, stooped posture, humpback (kyphosis), and severe pain that can be debilitating.
Although osteoporosis is more common in women, men are at risk too. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recently reported that osteoporosis is responsible for approximately 700,000 vertebral fractures each year!
The purpose of this information is to help you understand osteoporosis, the symptoms and complications, how it is diagnosed and treated, the risk factors, and how you can begin to prevent or control this disorder today with your physician’s assistance.
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