When Osteoporosis Leads to an Osteoporotic Fracture Consider These Nonsurgical Treatments

Osteoporosis causes low bone mass and frequent fractures, often in weight-bearing areas like the hip or spine. Over 12% of all adults over 50 have osteoporosis, most of whom are postmenopausal women. As you get older, you should remain mindful of your osteoporosis risk due to menopause, physical inactivity, vitamin deficiencies, and smoking. 

Your bones are constantly breaking down and replacing themselves with fresh cells, but with osteoporosis, your bone tissue doesn’t replace itself quickly enough. The result is bones that are more brittle and likely to break.

An unexpected bone fracture can be a painful reminder of your osteoporosis. Osteoporotic bone fractures are most common in the hip, spine, and risk, though they can occur anywhere based on your unique anatomy and activity level. 

Pain management specialists Haddis Hagos, MD, and Brent Earls, MD, provide industry-leading options for nonsurgical osteoporotic fracture treatment at Pain Management Associates LLC in Greenbelt, Maryland. 

Recognizing osteoporotic fractures

Early-stage osteoporosis often has no symptoms, so you should keep in touch with your primary care provider as you get older. A bone density test called a DEXA scan can show you if your bones are getting weaker with age. As your bones get more brittle and fractures occur, symptoms soon become apparent. 

Spinal fractures, which are common with osteoporosis, can cause:

• Reduced height
• Back pain
• Kyphosis (a rounded back)
• Shortness of breath
• Trouble bending down or twisting your torso

Osteoporotic fractures anywhere else cause standard fracture symptoms like sudden, severe pain and trouble using the affected body part. 

Osteoporotic bone fractures, especially in your spine, can happen on a whim, often caused by seemingly minor occurrences like a forceful cough or bending down to pick up something you’ve dropped. 

Your best nonsurgical options

Pain Management Associates LLC is proud to offer several of the leading nonsurgical treatments for osteoporotic fractures. While some fractures do require surgery, you can manage pain and other fracture symptoms with: 

Casting or bracing

Casts and braces immobilize your back to allow a spinal fracture to heal. You should use casts or braces according to your provider’s instructions to avoid becoming dependent on the immobilization device and causing further bone problems. 

Physical therapy

A targeted physical therapy program including weight-bearing exercises and balance training can help reduce pain and strengthen your bones after an osteoporotic fracture. 

Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a balloon to restructure a collapsed vertebrae from a spinal fracture. The team at Pain Management Associates LLC uses a needle to place the balloon, then expands it to restore the bone’s original height. They inject bone cement to maintain the expansion, strengthen the bone, and eliminate pain. 

Preventing your next fracture

Living with osteoporosis means another fracture can happen in the future. While you won’t always be able to prevent an osteoporotic fracture, our experts can set you up for fewer future fractures with preventive steps. To reduce spinal fractures and others with osteoporosis, we recommend:

• Getting sun exposure for vitamin D
• Taking vitamin D supplements
• Practicing weight-bearing and resistance exercises several times a week
• Getting the right amount of calcium for your age and gender
• Eating plenty of protein
• Quitting smoking
• Maintaining a healthy weight

To learn more about osteoporotic fractures, nonsurgical treatment, and prevention, call Pain Management Associates LLC or request an appointment online today.