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Osteoporosis does not cause pain. When the spine loses bone strength, it becomes less capable of withstanding everyday stressors like a minor slip or lifting groceries out of the car trunk.
Osteoporosis Compression Fractures
An osteoporosis sign may first be a fracture. Small fractures can develop in the spine from minor stressors. Low bone strength can lead to the most frequent fractures in the vertebral bodies, which is the wide, flat area of the spine.
A compression fracture is a collapse of the vertebral body due to insufficient strength. Multiple compression fractures can occur in the spine due to advanced osteoporosis.
Common complications of osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can cause spinal fractures that can lead to many complications such as:
Back pain at the fracture site. Back pain can be sudden or gradual and may become severe. Quite often, osteoporosis causes nerve root pain.
The vertebrae are partially or completely collapsed at several instances, creating a hunch in your upper back, leading the spine’s curve to change.
Multiple fractures in the vertebral bodies can cause height loss.
Weakening of bones can cause mobility problems and instability that interfere with daily activities.
Multiple fractures can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems, loss of self-esteem, loss of independence, mood changes. Neurologic injuries are rare. Check out for vertebral fracture signs.
Many fractures are not apparent or may not be felt immediately.
A compression fracture can present suddenly. A person might experience sudden back pain after falling.
A fractured spine tends to make the pain worse when you lie down, taking weight off your spine.
What is Spinal Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is not a serious condition that can cause instability or back pain. If osteoporosis has been diagnosed early through routine screenings and diagnostic studies, it can usually be treated effectively to avoid or delay fractures.
In some cases, osteoporosis is diagnosed after a fracture has occurred. A person may be diagnosed with osteoporosis if they have suffered from one or more hip or spine fractures. Serious spinal osteoporosis may cause severe back and neck pain, disability, or even death.
