Osteoporotic Spine Fracture
- Treatments
A team of medical professionals including doctors, nurses and allied health workers (physiotherapist, occupational therapist and orthotist) are involved in the treatment.
- Medications
- Pain relievers to manage pain and allow one to regain movement faster
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements to build bone strength
- Medications to slow down and reverse bone loss
- Physiotherapy to strengthen core muscles and manage pain
- Braces to support the spine and prevent excessive curvature
- When the pain does not improve, bone cement may be injected into the fractured area in a procedure known as vertebroplasty
- Surgery is rarely needed unless the spinal cord is compressed or in very severe fractures
A fracture can recur within 1 to 2 years if osteoporosis is not treated, especially for those aged 60 and above or if there is a history of previous fractures.
Seek immediate medical help if you experience:
- Back pain after a fall
- Worsening back pain when there was no fall
- New and/or worsening of leg weakness and numbness
- New and/or worsening ability to control bladder and bowels