How Can Osteoporosis Affect The Spine?

Osteoporosis has been, for the past years, a large cause for concern in the medical industry as it has afflicted over 44 million Americans. The term literally translates as “porous bones,” and it is a degenerative condition characterized by some bones’ loss of density and strength. The subsequent weakness leads to increased risks of breaks and fractures.

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The medical condition can cause degeneration in any bones in the body, including arms, legs, hips, and more. But the most common part of the body that osteoporosis affects is the vertebrae of the spine.

Unfortunately, osteoporosis is also called the “silent thief” because it develops and progresses without any evident symptoms or causing any pain. When it targets the spine, the vertebrae slowly weakens and can eventually cause vertebral compression fracture, where some of the bones crack, collapse, or flatten. These can result in a loss of height and a curvature of the spine, which, in some extreme cases, can disrupt the function of internal organs.

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It is important to note that the damages in the human body caused by osteoporosis cannot be reversed. Thus, there should be a proactive effort in the care of the spine to prevent the onset of osteoporosis.

Neurosurgeon Dr. Joseph Yazdi specializes in the management of chronic spine pain. He currently holds practice at Tesson Heights Orthopaedic & Arthroscopic Associates, P.C. Learn more about his work by following this Twitter account.

Weight and back pain: Knowing the connection

It is already common knowledge that being overweight or obese can cause high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and various cardiovascular ailments. What people do not know much about is that excess weight is also linked to back pain. According to the American Obesity Association, around a third of people who are classified as obese have experienced some form of pain in the back, particularly the lower part. 

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Some of the connection between having extra weight and back pain are the following: 

Muscle and ligament strain 

Every kilogram above what is considered healthy weight contributes to the straining of muscles and ligaments located at the back. Not only does this cause musculoskeletal and joint-related pain, but it also causes the spine to become tilted and stressed unevenly, leading to the loss of support in the spine and an unnatural curvature of the spinal column. 

Herniated disc Because there is too much pressure on the back due to excess weight, the discs and other spinal structures become damaged, resulting in a herniated disc. Similarly, pinched nerves and piriformis syndrome is also a possibility when the excess weight is pushed into the spaces between bones at the lower back. 

Osteoarthritis Based on studies, individuals who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 25 are more prone to suffering from osteoarthritis, or the wear and tear of joints. This can cause pain and stiffness, which limits the patient’s ability to function properly. 

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Joseph Yazdi, M.D., specializes in treating chronic spine pain with expertise in minimally invasive surgical techniques, motion preservation through total disc replacement, and placement of dorsal column stimulator for chronic pain management. Click here for more articles about this medical field.