Your spine is the primary foundation for your head, neck, and trunk. Thus, it is important to sustain bodily architecture, send and receive nerve impulses, and anchor essential musculature. For these reasons, any spine issues can be difficult to detect and treat. Unfortunately, one of the most complex and debilitating spine disorders is spinal compression fractures. These spine fractures are characterized by breaks in the vertebrae and frequently result from osteoporosis-related bone thinning. Whereas most spinal compression fractures resolve by themselves, they might leave you with a humped back and a loss of height. Anybody can acquire a Huntington spine fracture, but some risk factors can make you more vulnerable to severe spinal compression fractures. Check out this post to find out more.
5 Common Risk Factors for Spine Fracture
1) Aging
As you get older, your bones gradually lose density and weaken, increasing the risk o a spine fracture.
2) Being Female
Bone loss is more prevalent in women, particularly postmenopausal females. In the initial 5-7 years following menopause, women lose bone mass faster. Furthermore, women’s estrogen levels decline dramatically after menopause. Estrogen is a female sex hormone that safeguards bones. Once the estrogen levels drop, your bones might lose density; hence, becoming more susceptible to fractures
3) A History of Spine Fractures
Although it may seem self-evident, having one spinal fracture raises your likelihood of acquiring another. With time, several fractures might result in diminished height and alter your posture. Moreover, if your spinal compression fractures happen in the thoracic spine (upper to mid-back), your spine may begin to tilt forward. Your specialist may term this forward slope as Kyphosis.
4) Taking Particular Drugs
Some medications can hurt bone health. From diabetes medications to antidepressants and oral steroids, a negative side effect of using these drugs is that they may weaken your bones. Therefore, it is vital to discuss your prescriptions with your specialist. They will determine whether the advantages of the drugs exceed the hazards and if other alternatives should be explored.
5) Unhealthy Living Habits
Drinking too much alcohol, smoking, and/or leading a sedentary lifestyle could impair bone density. Heavy drinking and smoking impact your body’s capability to absorb calcium. Besides, if you do not exercise, your bones will become weak and vulnerable to bone loss.
How to Avoid and Treat Spinal Compression Fractures?
One of the most widespread myths concerning spinal fractures is that they only happen due to significant trauma or injury. On the other hand, fractures can develop in everyday actions like bending over to pick something or carrying a heavily-loaded grocery bag. Therefore, it is critical not to dismiss back pain, even if it appears to be minor. A spinal fracture could be the source of your back pain.
Accurate diagnosis and prompt care are vital to avoiding spinal fractures from triggering significant discomfort and complications. Certified neurosurgeon Dr. George Kakoulides employs advanced diagnostic equipment and techniques to assess your condition and determine the degree of fracture. Often, Dr. Kakoulides addresses this disorder with bracing, but for extreme conditions, he might resolve to minimally invasive surgery.
Do not allow a spine fracture to limit your mobility or affect your life quality. The moment you begin noticing the early indications of these disorders, including pain or tingling in the legs or arms, consult George Kakoulides, MD. He will ensure that you enjoy complete relief from your pain and restore overall wellness. Call the office near you or use the online booking tool to arrange an appointment today.
