Back pain is a frequent complaint in individuals suffering from advanced osteoporosis. Often, the sudden onset of pain as a result of spinal fractures is the first sign that someone has osteoporosis, as the disease frequently exhibits no symptoms until a break or fracture occurs.
Cause
Back pain stemming from osteoporosis may come about rapidly or develop over time. The underlying cause is a fracture or break in one or more spinal vertebrae or the complete disintegration of the vertebral bone. Called a vertebral compression fracture, these breakages occur when a vertebrae develops a crack, which then leads to the entire bone crushing under the weight of the rest of the spine above it.
Pain Relief
Medication is commonly recommended by doctors to ease back pain caused by osteoporosis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and topical pain remedies can be used for temporary pain relief. For more serious bouts of pain, narcotics, nerve blocks and anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed. In extreme cases, a doctor may perform nerve ablation, a removal of the involved nerves. The best relief for back pain caused by osteoporosis is a treatment of the cause. Surgery to shore up the vertebral bone can provide complete pain relief in as little as 48 hours.
Surgery
A procedure called kyphoplasty or balloon kyphoplasty can be used to stabilize the compressed spinal bone, easing the pain. In this surgery, a tube is inserted into the spinal column at the site of the damaged vertebrae, a balloon is inflated to fill in the collapsed space and restore the height and shape of the bone and bone cement is injected to keep the area from collapsing again. Vertebroplasty is another procedure to treat vertebral compression fractures that cause back pain. In vertrbroplasty, bone cement is injected directly into the fractured vertebrae where it solidifies and stabilizes the bone. Both procedures can be done in a few hours and the patient can go home the same day, often feeling at least some degree of pain relief immediately after the surgery, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Other Treatments
Aside from surgery, other treatments are available for the vertebral compression fractures that cause back pain. The hormone calcitonin, which is used to slow bone loss in osteoporosis patients, may also have pain relieving properties. Physical therapy is used to naturally build bone strength. Bracing is a controversial option. Some doctors believe it does more harm than good at preventing future fractures while others recommend bracing to support the spine and provide pain relief.
Prevention
Preventing back pain from osteoporosis mainly involves preventing the fractures that lead to pain. Medications that slow or halt bone loss and that promote the growth of new bone help stem the decrease in bone density that leads to fractures. Diet, especially ensuring sufficient intake of calcium and vitamin D, and weight bearing exercise can also help build bone strength.
