Compression fractures are a very common occurrence. Every year, almost 1 million compression fractures occur in the United States. Osteoporosis is the most common cause of compression fractures. The greatest strategy to reduce your risk of compression fractures is preventing and treating osteoporosis. The majority of osteoporosis-related compression fractures occur in women, especially after menopause. However, osteoporosis and compression fractures affect older males as well. People who have had a compression fracture Shrewsbury due to osteoporosis are more likely than the general population to have another.
Causes of compression fractures
Compression fractures are most usually triggered by osteoporosis. Bones naturally deteriorate as we become older. The spine’s vertebrae become flatter and narrower. Fractures are more probable in weak bones. If you have mild osteoporosis, a fall or other injury might result in a compression fracture. People with severe osteoporosis are at risk of breaking a bone while going about their normal lives. Getting out of a car, coughing, sneezing, or twisting unexpectedly are examples of these. Compression fractures are often caused by trauma (like a vehicle accident) or malignancy in younger persons who do not have osteoporosis. Cancerous tumors in the spine can weaken the vertebrae and cause them to shatter.
How to prevent compression fractures
The easiest approach to avoid compression fractures is to prevent osteoporosis or treat it if you already have it. Consult your specialist about getting a bone density test to discover whether you are at risk for osteoporosis and how to prevent it. Don’t smoke and drink in moderation to lower your chances of osteoporosis and certain forms of cancer. It is also crucial to do weight-bearing activities to build your muscles and bones and balance exercises to reduce your chance of falling. Check with your osteoporosis expert before beginning an exercise program if you have the disease. The importance of exercise in one’s overall health cannot be overstated. However, you may need to skip or adjust certain workouts. The extent of your osteoporosis determines this.
Having a compression fracture
Osteoporosis-related compression fractures normally improve with medication and rest. It normally takes three months for them to recover. However, some of them can have long-term consequences. Medicines for osteoporosis can help prevent future fractures, but they can’t help heal a fracture that has already occurred. If you have osteoporosis, you should get treatment as soon as possible to avoid compression fractures. Compression fractures induced by trauma heal in roughly eight weeks in most instances. However, if surgery is required, it may take longer. The result of cancer-related compression fractures varies depending on the kind of cancer and how well it responds to therapy.
Bottom line
Compression fractures are a frequent complication of osteoporosis. This form of fracture becomes more likely as you become older. Visit your doctor regularly, eat a nutritious diet, and obtain lots of vitamin D and calcium to reduce your chance of compression fractures. Talk to your specialist about getting a bone density test and taking drugs to reduce bone loss if you are over 50.
If you experience sudden back discomfort, see your doctor. Also, follow your provider’s advice when recuperating from a compression fracture to ensure optimal healing. Call Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine or schedule a meeting online to determine if you are the ideal candidate for compression fractures.
