Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis can lead to bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures throughout your body. If you suffer from symptoms like frequent bone pain or height loss, book an appointment at Vertrae® in Dayton, Ohio.

Led by board-certified neurosurgeon Kamal Woods, MD, MBA, FAANS, the practice offers several safe and effective treatments for osteoporosis.

Learn more about your options by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Kamal Woods today!

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures. It occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. This can result in bones that are so fragile that even minor stresses, such as bending over or coughing, can cause a fracture. The spine, hips, and wrists are particularly vulnerable to osteoporosis-related fractures.

What causes osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis develops when bone resorption (breakdown) outpaces bone formation. Key contributing factors include:

Aging: As people age, bone density naturally decreases, leading to a higher risk of osteoporosis.
Hormonal changes: Postmenopausal women are particularly at risk due to a drop in estrogen, which plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density.
Nutritional deficiencies: Inadequate intake of calcium and vitamin D weakens bone health over time.
Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of weight-bearing exercise can contribute to bone loss.
Medical conditions: Certain conditions, like hyperthyroidism or chronic kidney disease, can accelerate bone loss.
Medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids or other medications that affect bone density can increase the risk of osteoporosis.

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is often called the “silent disease” because it typically develops without any symptoms until a fracture occurs. Common signs include:

Back pain: A sudden or chronic backache may be a result of a spinal fracture.
Loss of height: Over time, individuals may notice that they are getting shorter due to compression fractures in the spine.
Fractures: Fragile bones are prone to breaking easily, even from minor falls or injuries.
Stooped posture: Vertebral fractures may cause a hunched back (kyphosis), leading to a stooped posture.

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves several key steps:

Bone density test (DEXA scan): The most accurate way to diagnose osteoporosis, a DEXA scan measures the density of bones, often in the hips, spine, and wrists.
Physical exam: Dr. Woods will review your medical history and assess your symptoms, particularly if you’ve experienced fractures or height loss.
X-rays: These may reveal fractures or bone thinning, but they are less sensitive than a DEXA scan for early detection.

What treatments are available for osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis treatment focuses on preventing fractures, managing symptoms, and improving bone density:

Medications:
- Bisphosphonates: These drugs slow bone loss and help maintain bone density.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Postmenopausal women may benefit from HRT to restore estrogen levels and protect bone density.
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements: Essential for maintaining bone health, these supplements are often recommended.
Lifestyle changes:
- Exercise: Weight-bearing exercises like walking, strength training, and balance exercises help strengthen bones.
- Diet: Ensuring a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other bone-healthy nutrients is critical.
- Fall prevention: Measures such as improving balance, removing tripping hazards at home, and using mobility aids can reduce the risk of fractures.
Surgery is not typically used to treat osteoporosis directly, but if you suffer from fractures due to osteoporosis—such as a vertebral compression fracture—surgical interventions like vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty may be required to stabilize the spine and relieve pain. Dr. Woods at Vertrae® offers minimally invasive solutions to treat osteoporosis-related spinal fractures.