Due to age or hormonal changes, many people develop osteoporosis as they get older, which also poses risks for the spine. This sometimes leads to vertebral collapses and fractures, which can be very painful. In such cases, a very precise diagnosis and the resulting treatment are absolutely necessary.

The natural process of aging is usually accompanied by a loss of bone mass. Osteoporosis occurs when there is a noticeable reduction in bone mass. The natural reconstruction of bones occurs much more slowly than the breakdown of bone material. The bones become porous and unstable. This process goes unnoticed by many people for a long time.

Reasons for developing osteoporosis

If the body does not have enough calcium available, it withdraws the missing calcium from the bones. This reduces the density of the bone material. The result is a weakening of the skeletal structure. Falling estrogen levels limit the ability of bones to regenerate.

Osteoporosis mainly occurs after the age of 50. Women are significantly more likely to be affected by osteoporosis than men. The first sign of osteoporosis is a general feeling of weakness in the back. Over time, the affected person may sometimes develop a hunched back and shrink in height. Other poor posture can also result. The sense of movement is restricted. Tension in the back increases and leads to increased back pain.

Prevention and conservative therapies

Osteoporosis can remain without symptoms for a long period of time. If the disease is detected early, it can be counteracted with a conscious diet and lifestyle changes. To prevent this, sufficient exercise in the fresh air is important. Physical activity strengthens the muscles and bone structure. The diet should contain plenty of vegetables and calcium-rich components such as dairy products. The supply of vitamin D promotes the storage of calcium in the bones. If the patient opts for conservative therapy, various methods can be used:

• Medication for bone loss
• painkilling medications
• Massages
• physical therapy
• orthoses

Vertebral fracture - the alarm signal for immediate action

As osteoporosis progresses, everyday situations can lead to vertebral body collapse. In such a vertebral body fracture, some of the thin bone rods that keep the bone stable inside break. A strong cough, inattention when lifting objects or uncontrolled twisting movements can trigger vertebral collapse. The resulting back pain should be an alarm signal.

If osteoporosis has led to a vertebral fracture, conservative therapy is no longer sufficient. In this situation, surgical therapy makes sense for the patient. The established method is kyphoplasty. Thick bone cement is introduced into the vertebral body. The damaged vertebral body is straightened and stabilized. The patient will then quickly be free of back pain again. He regains his mobility. The spine regains its former stability.

The Apex-Spine spine center as a competent companion

The Apex-Spine spine center in Munich specializes in spine treatments. And very experienced. The patient will find the perfect contact person in the clinic for questions about prevention. The experts examine and diagnose back problems on a highly professional basis. The international expertise of the specialists and their teams enables targeted treatment.

The Apex-Spine spine center carries out all procedures using the most modern methods. The surgical procedures are constantly being improved according to the current state of science. The experts at the Apex-Spine Spine Center regularly exchange ideas with international colleagues at conferences. Not only the therapy, but also the diagnosis and the examination are in the hands of qualified specialists.