Questions and Answers - Recent questions and answers in Osteoporosis

Answered: How long does it take to recover from spinal fusion surgery?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 08:07:50 +0000

Recovery from spinal fusion surgery takes longer than with other types of spinal surgery. Patients often have a 3- or 4-day hospital stay, with a possible stay on a rehabilitation unit. Patients typically wear a brace immediately after surgery. Rehabilitation is often necessary to rebuild strength and functioning. Activity level is gradually increased. Depending on the patient's age and health status, getting back to normal functioning can happen within 2 months, or up to 6 months later.

Answered: What is kyphoplasty and how is it used to treat spinal compression fractures?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 08:06:54 +0000

Kyphoplasty helps correct bone deformity and relieves pain that come with spinal compression fractures. During the procedure:

A tube is inserted into the damaged vertebrae through a cut in the back.
A thin catheter tube, tipped with a balloon, is guided into the vertebra.
The balloon is inflated to create a cavity in which bone cement will be injected.
The balloon is deflated and removed, and the bone cement is injected into the cavity.
The cement mixture hardens in about 10 minutes.

Answered: What's the nature of a pain medication "cocktail" that treats spinal compression fractures?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 08:05:41 +0000

A carefully prescribed "cocktail" of pain medications can relieve bone-on-bone, muscle, and nerve pain. If it's prescribed correctly, you can reduce doses of the individual drugs in the cocktail.

Answered: What is the surgical treatment for spinal compression fractures?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 08:04:11 +0000

If pain from your spinal compression fracture doesn’t go away even with rest, medicine, back bracing and other treatments, surgery might be an option. Surgical procedures used to treat spinal fractures are:

Vertebroplasty
Kyphoplasty
Spinal fusion surgery

Answered: What’s the relationship between osteoporosis and compression fractures?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 08:03:43 +0000

If osteoporosis isn't treated, it can lead to fractures. It’s important to see your doctor if you’re in pain. Osteoporosis treatment won’t guarantee that you’ll never get a compression fracture, but it will significantly lower your odds.

Answered: What should the treatment for osteoporosis that has caused a spinal compression fracture address?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 08:03:18 +0000

If osteoporosis has caused a spinal compression fracture, the treatment should address the pain, the fracture, and the underlying osteoporosis to prevent future fractures.

Answered: How can you recover from spinal fusion surgery for spinal compression fractures?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 08:02:07 +0000

Recovery from spinal fusion surgery takes longer than with other types of spinal surgery. Those who receive the surgery often have a three- or four-day hospital stay, with a possible stay on a rehabilitation unit. They also typically wear a brace immediately after surgery. Rehabilitation is often necessary to rebuild strength and functioning. Depending on the patient's age and health status, getting back to normal functioning can happen within two months to six months.

Answered: What can I expect if I let my spinal compression fracture heal naturally?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 08:01:33 +0000

Pain from a spinal compression fracture allowed to heal naturally can last as long as three months. That said, the pain usually improves significantly in a matter of days or weeks.

Pain management may include analgesic pain medicines, bed rest, back bracing, and physical activity.

Answered: How do compression fractures affect the spine?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 08:00:45 +0000

After a number of small compression fractures, your body begins to show the effects. The strength and shape of the spine can change. You lose height because your spine is shorter. Most compression fractures happen in the front of the vertebra. When you get enough of them, the front part of the bone can collapse. The back of the vertebra is harder, so it stays intact. That creates a wedge-shaped vertebra, which can lead to the stooped posture known as a dowager's hump. Doctors call it kyphosis.

Answered: What tests might a doctor prescribe to diagnose a spinal compression?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 08:00:03 +0000

You may get tests such as:

You may also get a bone biopsy to check that your compression fracture isn't caused by cancer, which is not likely.

A spinal X-ray to determine whether a vertebra has collapsed
A CT scan to provide detail of the fractured bone and the nerves around it
An MRI scan to show greater detail of nerves and nearby discs

Answered: What are the benefits and risks of using bisphosphonate drugs to treat spinal compression fractures?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:59:24 +0000

Bisphosphonate drugs (Actonel, Binosto, Boniva, Fosamax) can slow bone loss, improve bone density, and help prevent fractures. Bisphosphonates can also cause bone loss in the jaw, a condition known as osteonecrosis of the jaw. This complication has been linked to the use of these medications for the treatment of osteoporosis. The risk of this is very low, but people with cancer or people who get these medications through an IV are at higher risk. If you have concerns, speak with your dentist.

Answered: How can a CT exam help diagnose Paget's disease?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:58:36 +0000

Several X-rays are taken from different angles and put together to make a more complete picture of your bones.

Answered: What are symptoms of Paget's disease?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:57:58 +0000

The symptoms appear slowly over time, and many people who have a mild case of Paget's don't have any signs of the disease. For those who do, bone pain is common. Some people also get arthritis in joints near the affected bones.

If your skull is involved, you could have headaches, vision problems, hearing loss, pain in your face, and numbness or tingling.

Sometimes you can see the bone changes. Your legs and thighs may look larger than usual and may seem bent or bowed. Your forehead can look bigger, too. If Paget's gets worse, you may waddle when you walk.

Affected bones sometimes put extra calcium in your blood. Too much calcium can make you feel tired, weak, not hungry, or constipated. In rare cases, serious pain means the Paget's has led to bone cancer. Other rare problems include congestive heart failure (where your heart doesn't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs) and pressure on the tissue of your brain.

Answered: How can activity modification treat spinal compression fractures?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:56:55 +0000

Bed rest may help relieve your pain. But it can also lead to further bone loss and worsening osteoporosis, which raises your risk for future compression fractures. Your doctor may recommend bed rest for no more than a few days.

Answered: How is osteoporosis treatment used to relieve spinal compression fractures?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:55:36 +0000

Bone-strengthening drugs such as bisphosphonates (such as Actonel, Boniva, and Fosamax) help stabilize or restore bone loss. This is an important part of treatment to help prevent another compression fracture.

Answered: What are some treatment for pain from spinal compression fractures?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:54:35 +0000

If you allow spinal compression fracture to heal naturally, you may have pain for as long as three months. The pain will ease up greatly after a few days or weeks. During that time, pain mediation, bed rest, back bracing, and physical activity may help ease your discomfort.

Answered: How is vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty used to treat spinal compression fractures?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:53:50 +0000

These surgeries for spinal compression fractures use small incisions and require very little healing time. They also use acrylic bone cement that hardens quickly, and stabilizes the spinal bone fragments and the spine right away. Most people go home the same day or after one night's hospital stay.

Answered: How can back bracing treat spinal compression fractures?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:53:05 +0000

A back brace offers rigid support to limit movements with your fractured vertebrae. It may help ease pain. Newer elastic braces and corsets are more comfortable to wear but don't work. Wear a rigid brace only with a doctor’s supervision. If you use it for too long, it can weaken your muscles.

Answered: How is a vertebroplasty done to treat spinal compression fractures?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:51:31 +0000

This surgery can relieve pain from spinal compression fractures and help stabilize the fracture. During this procedure:

A needle is inserted into the damaged vertebrae.
X-rays help ensure that it's done with accuracy.
The doctor injects a bone cement mixture into the fractured vertebrae.
The cement mixture hardens in about 10 minutes.
You usually go home the same day or after a one-night hospital stay.

Answered: What are the drawbacks of spinal fusion surgery for spinal compression fractures?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:49:19 +0000

Disadvantages to spinal fusion surgery include limited movement after the two vertebrae are fused. It also puts more stress on vertebrae next to the fusion, which raises the chances of fracture in those vertebrae. Even after you heal fully, you may need to avoid certain lifting and twisting activities to prevent stressing your spine too much.

Answered: How is a kyphoplasty done to treat spinal compression fractures?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:48:51 +0000

This surgery corrects the bone deformity and relieves the pain from spinal compression fractures. During the procedure:

A tube is inserted through a half-inch cut in your back and into the damaged vertebrae. X-rays help ensure the accuracy of the procedure.
A thin catheter tube -- with a balloon at the tip -- is guided into the vertebra.
The balloon is inflated to create a cavity in which liquid bone cement is injected.
The balloon is then deflated and removed, and bone cement is injected into the cavity.
The cement mixture hardens in about 10 minutes.

Answered: What are ways to keep your bone healthy when you have Paget's disease?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:47:13 +0000

Ask your doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy. Here are a few tips:

Take calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Get regular exercise.
Don't put lots of stress on the affected bones.
Use a splint if a certain bone is at risk for breaking

Answered: Who should get a bone mineral density test?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:46:22 +0000

Your doctor may recommend a bone density test if:

You’re a postmenopausal woman over 50
You’re a woman at the age of menopause and have a high chance for breaking bones
You’re a man 50 or older with other risk factors
You break a bone after 50
You’ve lost more than 1.5 inches of your adult height
Your posture is more hunched
You have back pain without any cause
Your periods have stopped or are irregular but you’re not pregnant nor menopausal
You’ve had an organ transplant
You’ve had a drop in hormone levels

Answered: What are most important nutrients for people with osteoporosis?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:45:51 +0000

The most important nutrients for people with osteoporosis are calcium and vitamin D.

Calcium is a key building block for your bones. Vitamin D helps your body take in and use calcium. How much you need depends, in part, on your age and gender.

Answered: Where can I get calcium and vitamin D to protect me from osteoporosis?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:45:14 +0000

To strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis, you can get calcium and vitamin D from your diet, supplements, or both. It’s best to get these nutrients from food, rather than supplements because foods are a more complete source of nutrition than supplements.

Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products have high levels of calcium and other key nutrients for bone health, such as phosphorus and protein. Look for foods and drinks that give you 10% or more of the daily value for calcium.

Answered: How can bone fractures affect you emotionally?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:44:48 +0000

It can be tough when things that used to be simple take more time or energy because of an injury -- or you can't do them at all. It may also make it harder to get out of the house, see friends, and get back to your normal social life. All those can affect your relationships. See a mental health professional who can help you manage problems you might have with anger, anxiety, hopelessness, or a sense of lost dignity.

Answered: How can hip fractures affect you?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:44:17 +0000

As with spinal fractures, hip fractures affect the way you move and do things for yourself. And once you've fractured your hip, you're more likely to do it again.

Answered: What are some good habits I can practice to prevent falls?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:43:27 +0000

To prevent falls, you can:

Be active. Exercise makes your muscles stronger.
Be mindful of your medications. Some can make you dizzy or drowsy.
Get your eyes checked every year. Bad vision makes it hard to get around safely.
Get enough calcium and vitamin D. These slow bone loss, making fractures less likely.
Don’t rush. Hurrying to do things like answer the phone or use the bathroom makes it more likely you’ll fall.
Go easy on alcohol. It can slow your reflexes and throw off your balance.

Answered: What are foods that contain vitamin D to help treat osteomalacia?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:42:50 +0000

If osteomalacia comes from not getting enough vitamin D, you can treat it by getting more of it in your diet. Foods with vitamin D include:

You also can get more vitamin D by spending time in the sun. But talk to your doctor about it, and be sure to wear sunscreen. Too much sun can boost your chance of skin cancer.

Cereal
Cheese
Eggs
Fish (tuna, salmon, swordfish, sardines)
Liver
Milk
Orange juice (fortified with vitamin D)
Yogurt

Answered: What are symptoms of osteomalacia?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:42:10 +0000

Easily broken bones
Feeling tired
Pain
Stiffness
Trouble getting up from sitting or walking up stairs
Weak muscles in your arms and thighs
People with osteomalacia may walk with a waddling, side-to-side stride.

Answered: Can raloxifene lower your chances of getting a fracture?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:40:30 +0000

Raloxifene decreases the risk of spine fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. But it does not appear to decrease the risk of hip fracture. (The only agents that are definitely proven to decrease hip fracture risk are bisphosphonates.)

Answered: What are symptoms of osteoporosis?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:37:19 +0000

A person is often not aware that he or she has osteoporosis until a fracture occurs. But there are occasionally symptoms of the disorder. They could include:

Backache
A gradual loss of height and an accompanying stooped posture
Fractures of the spine, wrist, or hip

Answered: What are good sources of calcium to help prevent osteoporosis?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:36:03 +0000

Dairy products have high levels of calcium per serving, which is why they're often recommended for bone health. But calcium from other sources -- like spinach, bok choy, and mustard greens, beans, tofu, almonds, fish, and many fortified cereals and juices -- can help just as much. But it can be hard to get enough calcium if you don’t eat any dairy. And it’s best to get calcium from foods, not supplements.

Answered: What do I need to know about strontium for osteoporosis?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:32:29 +0000

If you are concerned about the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis, you may have heard about treatment with strontium. Some people say this supplement improves bone health, but it’s important to think about its benefits and risks before you decide to take it.

Answered: What's the treatment for a fractured shoulder blade?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:31:46 +0000

Your shoulder blade is protected by your chest and layers of muscle, so a fracture there isn't that common. But if you do break it, you probably won't need surgery. Instead, your doctor will give you a sling that holds your arm in place and keeps it still while the bone heals. You can also expect a prescription for pain medicine and instructions to apply ice

Answered: Do you need surgery for a broken collarbone?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:30:44 +0000

A broken collarbone usually heals without surgery. Your doctor may fit you with a sling to hold your arm still. If the bone comes through the skin, or if it's fractured in more than one place, you may need an operation. Just like with shoulder surgery, your doctor will need to hold it together with plates, screws, or pins.

Answered: How can you avoid breaking a shoulder?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:29:22 +0000

Your risk of breaking a bone is greater after a fracture, so take extra care. Your doctor will go over ways to avoid falls. For instance, he may suggest you:

Keep good posture.
Avoid risky activities.
Do bone-strengthening exercises.

Answered: What foods should I avoid to heal after a bone fracture?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:27:46 +0000

Some things can slow your bone from healing after a fracture. They include:

Alcohol: Alcohol can keep you from building new bones fast. Also, too much alcohol can also make you unsteady on your feet and more likely to fall.
Salt: High sodium diets make you lose more calcium in your pee. You need calcium to build strong bones.
Coffee: More than 4 cups of strong coffee a day can slow bone healing a little. It might make you pee more, and that could mean you pee out more calcium your body needs for bone health.

Answered: Do men ever get osteoporosis, or do only women get it?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:27:11 +0000

Men can get osteoporosis, too. But it's 4 times more common in women than in men. Women over the age of 50 are the most likely people to develop osteoporosis. Women's lighter, thinner bones and longer life spans are part of the reason they have a higher risk.

Answered: Can I get vitamin D from a supplement?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:26:44 +0000

You can get vitamin D in multivitamins and also in combination with a calcium supplement, as well as on its own. Keep in mind, though, that many diet supplements have vitamin D, so before you take another one, check the labels and let your doctor know what you’re taking. Getting too much vitamin D, especially above 4,000 IU per day, can be dangerous.

Answered: What causes Paget's disease?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:26:16 +0000

Doctors don't really know what causes Paget's disease. It may be a viral infection of the bone, or it could be caused by something in the environment. In about 15% to 30% of cases, there's a family history of Paget's. Researchers have found a few genes that can make it more likely that you or a family member will get it. Smoking may also increase your chances.

If you have family members with it, you should get a blood test every 2 to 3 years after age 40.

Answered: How can a CT exam help diagnose Paget's disease?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:25:07 +0000

Several X-rays are taken from different angles and put together to make a more complete picture of your bones.

Answered: What are side effects of teriparatide (Forteo)?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:22:47 +0000

Forteo's side effects may include:

Other side effects are also possible. Tell your doctor if you notice any other effects.

Itching, swelling, redness at injection site
Back spasms
Depression
Leg cramps
Heartburn

Answered: What are the most common fractures for people who have osteoporosis?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:22:11 +0000

The most common fractures for people who have osteoporosis are in the spine, hip, wrist, and forearm. They each have their own long-term effects, but they do have some things in common.

Answered: How much calcium do I need to prevent osteoporosis?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:21:31 +0000

The amount of calcium you need depends on your age. The Institute of Medicine recommends the following:

Adolescents should get 1,300 milligrams of calcium a day.
Adults from 19 to 50 years of age should get 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day.
Adult women over the age of 50 should get 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day.
Adult men should receive 1,000 milligrams up to age 70 and 1,200 milligrams after age 70.

Answered: Does denosumab help treat osteoporosis?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:21:00 +0000

If you have osteoporosis and you’re highly likely to have a fracture, your doctor may suggest denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva). It’s also given when bisphosphonates either didn’t work well enough or couldn’t be used for some reason. You get this medication as a shot every 6 months.

Answered: What are the most common places for a fracture when you have osteoporosis?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:20:25 +0000

The spine, hips, and wrist are the most common places for a fracture when you have osteoporosis.

Answered: How much vitamin D should I get per day?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:19:55 +0000

Daily vitamin D needs:

600 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day from age 1 through age 70
800 IU daily after age 70

Answered: What calcium supplements may help prevent osteoporosis?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:19:20 +0000

If you can't get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet, talk to your doctor about supplements.

Calcium supplements come in several types, including:

You should take calcium carbonate supplements with meals, to help your body absorb the most calcium.

If you take calcium citrate, you don’t need to take it when you eat.

Calcium citrate
Calcium carbonate

Answered: What foods are a good source of calcium and vitamin D to prevent osteoporosis?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:18:48 +0000

Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products have high levels of calcium and other key nutrients for bone health, such as phosphorus and protein.

When you read food labels, look for foods and drinks that give you 10% or more of the daily value for calcium.