Spinal Fractures

The human back is made up of 33-35 bones called vertebrae. Vertebrae, like other bones in the human body, can become weak and break causing spine fractures referred to as vertebral compression fractures, which are due to Osteoporosis or Cancer. 

With over 750,000 spine fractures due to osteoporosis in more than 350,000 patients each year in the United States., these fractures represent a growing concern for elderly Americans. In addition to being extremely painful, they can also have debilitating effects on patients' quality of life.

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bone affecting more than 10 million Americans over the age of 50, with another 44 million people at risk. 80% of those affected are female.

Risk factors for osteoporosis include:

• Older age
• Family history of osteoporosis or broken bones
• Being small and thin
• Certain race/ethnicities such as Caucasian, Asian, or Hispanic/Latino although African Americans are also at risk
• History of broken bones
• Low hormone levels
• Diet
  • Low calcium intake
  • Low vitamin D intake
  • Excessive intake of protein, sodium and caffeine
• Inactive lifestyle
• Smoking

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends measuring bone mass with a bone scan every two years after the age of 50 to assess the individual's risk of fracture.

Click here to learn more about treating spinal fractures from DFine.