Osteoporosis is a common disorder characterized by abnormalities in the production or replacement of the tissues that make up your bones. These abnormalities trigger bone thinning and a loss of bone density or mass. In certain circumstances, osteoporosis in your spine can lead to bone fracture; in turn, spinal bone fracture can lead to significant changes in your everyday posture.
Basics
Although primary bone growth occurs in childhood and adolescence, your body continues to reabsorb old bone tissue and replace it with new tissue throughout your entire lifespan. Until you reach the age of 30, new tissue production usually outpaces tissue reabsorption; this pattern leads to the formation of strong, healthy bones. However, roughly after age 30, reabsorption gradually begins to outpace new tissue formation. Osteoporosis typically occurs when the rate of reabsorption is abnormally high or new tissue formation is abnormally slow.
Kyphosis
If you develop osteoporosis in your spinal bones or vertebrae, you can experience a form of bone fracture called a compression fracture. This type of injury occurs when bone weakness causes your vertebrae to collapse together under the stress of bumps, falls or sudden movements. In addition to height loss and potentially severe pain, compression fractures in your vertebrae can significantly change your back posture and lead to the formation of a stooped condition known as kyphosis or "dowager's hump."
Postural Changes
Kyphosis occurs when the middle region of your back, called the thoracic spine, develops an exaggerated curvature. When this condition is caused by osteoporosis, doctors commonly refer to it as secondary kyphosis. In addition to changing the shape of your spine, secondary kyphosis affects your posture by changing the way you carry your head, creating spine stiffness and altering the height of your shoulders. Other symptoms frequently found in association with the disorder include spine tenderness and unusual tightness in the hamstring muscles in the backs of your legs. If you have severe kyphosis, you may also develop breathing problems or chest pain.
Treatments and Considerations
If you have osteoporosis, you can improve or maintain your posture with flexibility exercises, weight-bearing aerobic exercises, strength-training exercises and balance and stability exercises, MayoClinic.com reports. These exercises can also help diminish your pain symptoms and improve the strength in your supporting musculature. However, not all activities in these categories are suitable for all individuals. Before you begin exercising, speak with your doctor and physical therapist. In addition to exercise, you can typically improve your bone health with medication and/or changes to your intake of vital nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D.
