How Does Osteoporosis Affect Back & Neck?
Osteoporosis can be defined as a geriatric condition in which bones of your body lose density and strength. As people grow older, bones become weaker, and thus it increases the risk of bone fracture. Although different body parts such as the wrist, hip, sacrum and other bones can break due to this condition, osteoporosis spine fractures are most common among patients. Also, the pain caused due to osteoporosis is considered to be more intense than your typical lower back pain.
Millions of people all across the globe suffer from this condition. According to the latest research, osteoporosis is most common in women above 50 years of age and men above 70 years of age. In India, Osteoporosis cases are increasing at a staggering rate as well.
If you are a resident of Chennai suffering from Osteoporosis, it is important that you seek urgent medical attention and consult a spine specialist in Chennai today. Dr. Vignesh Pushparaj is one of the leading spine doctors in Chennai. He is highly qualified and has treated countless patients with spine-related problems. For more details about the spine fracture treatment in Chennai, contact today.
How Osteoporosis Affects Spinal Bones?
The spine is one of the most important parts, which helps in bending and moving your body. It is made up of a series of vertebrae which are set in order one above another. When Osteoporosis affects people, bone loss happens, and vertebrae become weak, increasing the risk of fracture. In such a state, small actions such as sneezing and major incidents like lifting and falling lead to spinal bone fracture.
What are the Osteoporosis Symptoms and Causes?
It is important to know that a fracture caused due to Osteoporosis is different from a general fracture that happens in arms and legs. In the spine, the vertebrae collapse and compress due to the reduced bone density. However, there is no pain felt by the patient. The common symptoms like back pain, loss of height, difficulty in bending and turning and other deformities are observed over time.
If you experience any of the symptoms stated, it is highly recommended to visit a spine specialist in Chennai for the best treatment options.
What Causes Osteoporosis?
Bones in the body use a bone modelling approach to grow, heal and repair themselves. In this process, your body breaks down the old cells in the bone and extracts calcium and phosphorus. Thereafter, the resorption process is followed, where these minerals are introduced back into the blood, generating new bone cells.
When your body is young, this process helps in the faster generation of new bone cells compared to the breaking of the bone cells. It helps in maintaining a good bone mass structure, density and strength. However, as people get older, the process becomes slow, and the breaking of bone cells happens faster than new bone cell production. This causes Osteoporosis.
Diagnosis
First of all, you should consult the best spine surgeon in Chennai for the right diagnosis. The spine doctor may ask about your symptoms and conduct a physical examination of your spine to determine any abnormality in alignment and posture.
Imaging tests may be recommended to understand if there is any spinal fracture and the severity of your condition. It includes X-rays, MRI scan, and CT scan. A bone scan is often advised to find if the fracture is acute or chronic. The doctor may further suggest Bone Density Testing to further assess if you suffer from Osteoporosis.
Treatment Options
Non-surgical treatment options include a short period of rest, medication and the use of brace to prevent movement. In many cases, these measures help the patient in recovery. However, the patient may remain at high risk. Thus, doctors may offer you the best advice, which may include surgical procedures.
Dr Vignesh Pushparaj is one of the top 5 spine surgeons in Chennai with a track record of treating patients with spine-related problems successfully. For more details, contact us at any time.