Osteoporosis weakens bones — and most often in the spine. This May, during Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, we’re raising awareness about osteoporosis and spine fractures (also known as vertebral compression fractures), which are the most common yet often overlooked fracture type associated with osteoporosis, affecting an estimated 1.5 million Americans annually.
New National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month Spine-Talks Video
To highlight the importance of osteoporosis screening, diagnosis, and treatment (and the 1.5 million spine fractures that occur each year), please see the new Spine-Talks video we have developed:
Let’s Break the Fracture Cycle
Strengthening your bones is the first line of defense. Here’s how to prevent fractures:
- Engage in weight-bearing exercises like walking or light resistance training
- Maintain maintaining proper posture to support spinal alignment
- Follow a nutrient-rich diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D
- Eliminate tripping hazards and ensure good lighting to reduce fall risk
Every year, 2 million fragility fractures occur due to osteoporosis — yet fewer than 15% of older women have had a bone density test.
Regular bone density testing is a powerful tool to monitor bone health and catch problems early. In fact, one of the quality measures for Medicare Advantage plans is whether older women within six months of suffering from a fracture receive a bone density test or starts osteoporosis therapy if they have the disease.
Be proactive to help close the osteoporosis care gap.
- 70% of spine fractures go undiagnosed due to mild or overlooked symptoms (e.g., height loss, back pain).
- Patients who suffer from a fracture caused by osteoporosis are 5x more likely to suffer from another fracture within one year.
- 83% of women who suffer a fracture receive no follow-up care — no diagnosis, no medication if they have osteoporosis, no plan for future fracture prevention.
If patients knew they had osteoporosis and received proper diagnosis and treatment, the risk of suffering from additional fractures would be reduced drastically.
What Are Vertebral Compression Fractures?
Your spine is made of vertebrae—like building blocks that support your body. When osteoporosis weakens these bones, they may break and then often collapse under pressure from simple movements like bending, lifting, or even coughing. These are vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). Many VCFs occur silently, with no symptoms. Others cause pain with posture changes or movement. They’re most common in the lower (thoracic) and upper (lumbar) spine and can often go undiagnosed.
How Are VCFs Diagnosed?
Doctors use imaging to get a clear picture of the spine. X-rays show alignment and location of the fracture, and an MRI helps determine the age of the fracture and whether it is affecting nerves. These images also rule out other causes, like tumors.
Risk Factors to Watch For
Several conditions and lifestyle factors increase the risk of osteoporosis:
- Low bone density (confirmed via a bone density scan)
- Long-term steroid use
- Post-menopausal women (low estrogen)
- Conditions like hyperparathyroidism and chronic kidney disease
Take Action
Osteoporosis may be silent, but its impact is loud.
Don’t ignore back pain or height loss. If you’re at risk, speak with your doctor about evaluation and treatment options. If there’s a fracture after 50 — request a bone density test.