Can osteoporosis of the spine be reversed?

The short answer is no, osteoporosis cannot be completely reversed and is not considered curable, but there are a number of health and lifestyle adjustments you can make to improve bone loss. Your provider may also prescribe you medications to help rebuild and slow down bone loss.

What happens when you have osteoporosis in your spine?

When osteoporosis has made your bones weak, the chances are higher that they’ll crack or break, even the bones of your spine. These spine fractures, also called vertebral compression fractures, can cause severe back pain that makes it hard to stand, walk, sit, or lift objects.

How long can you live with osteoporosis of the spine?

The average life expectancy of osteoporosis patients is in excess of 15 years in women younger than 75 years and in men younger than 60 years, highlighting the importance of developing tools for long-term management.

Is osteoporosis of the spine serious?

The bones that make up your spine (vertebrae) can weaken to the point that they crumple and collapse, which may result in back pain, lost height and a hunched posture. Bone fractures, particularly in the spine or hip, are the most serious complications of osteoporosis.

What does osteoporosis in spine feel like?

In serious cases of spinal osteoporosis, the nervous system is affected and you may experience numbness, tingling, or weakness. If you have severe kyphosis, you may also experience difficulty walking and problems with balance, which means you are at increased risk of falling and breaking other bones, such as the hips.

Can you end up in a wheelchair with osteoporosis?

Counting hospital stays, surgeries, office visits and nursing home visits, osteoporosis costs almost $19 billion in related costs every year. 4. It is preventable and treatable. You do not have to end up in a wheelchair!

What should you not do with osteoporosis?

If you have osteoporosis, don’t do the following types of exercises: High-impact exercises. Activities such as jumping, running or jogging can lead to fractures in weakened bones. Avoid jerky, rapid movements in general.