Preventing Spinal Fractures: Diet, Exercise, and Physical Exams

Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D and participating in weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, dancing and weight-lifting, can help slow the process of osteoporosis by keeping bones healthy.

Calcium supplements, osteoporosis medications, and hormone replacement therapy for post-menopausal women may also be recommended. It is also important for patients to reduce their risks of falling by making their homes safer (e.g., install grab bars in the bathroom, get rid of small rugs) and their overall mobility safer (e.g., wear non-slip shoes).

A bone mineral density (BMD) test is used to diagnose osteoporosis and determine a patient’s risk for future fractures. A bone density test is recommended for all women over the age of 65 and postmenopausal women younger than 65 who have other risk factors for osteoporosis, such as experiencing a bone break after age 50, are thin and small-boned, lead an inactive lifestyle, or have a family history of osteoporosis. Women who have had a hysterectomy are also at increased risk.

If a vertebral compression fracture is suspected, the physician will do a complete patient history, physical exam (including testing for tenderness along the spine) and an x-ray. Additional diagnostic testing may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis, such as a CAT scan and/or MRI scan. A nuclear bone scan may be ordered to help determine the age of the fracture, which helps guide appropriate treatment options.

In addition to diagnosing the fracture, the physician will also need to diagnose the cause of the fracture. While osteoporosis is the most common cause of vertebral compression fractures, some kind of trauma to the spinal vertebrae or cancer can also cause spinal fractures.

It is advisable to consult with a physician if anyone has severe or continuous back pain, suspects osteoporosis, or believes they have suffered a spine fracture.

References

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10. Evans AJ, Jensen ME, Kip KE, et al. Vertebral compression fractures: pain reduction and improvement in functional mobility after percutaneous polymethylmethacrylate vertebroplasty—retrospective report of 245 cases. Radiology. 2003;226:366-372.
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• Article written by:
• Huy M. Do, MD

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