What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a progressive, metabolic, systemic disease in which bone density decreases due to bone structural remodeling.
The main danger of osteoporosis is the increased risk of fractures, which can occur with even a small load.
Risk factors
- heredity (presence of osteoporosis or pathological fractures in relatives),
- gender (women are three times more likely to get sick than men),
- endocrinological disorders (hormonal imbalance of any origin, early menopause, infertility, diabetes mellitus, long-term use of hormonal drugs),
- bad habits (alcohol, coffee, smoking),
- sedentary lifestyle.
Osteoporosis is asymptomatic until pathological fractures occur even with minimal stress. Their most common location is the bones of the lower extremities and the spine. Spinal fractures are manifested by constant pain, which is practically not eliminated by standard painkillers.
Diagnostics
The “gold standard” for diagnosing osteoporosis is densitometry, which allows you to determine bone density, detect its decline in time, and begin therapy, which will minimize the risk of pathological fractures.
If a spinal fracture has already occurred, the patient needs to undergo computer therapy, which will determine:
- level of damage,
- number of affected segments,
- presence of spinal cord compression.
Comprehensive treatment
- sufficient intake of Ca with food (daily requirement is 150 mg),
- if impossible – prescribing calcium preparations, preparations that inhibit bone resorption,
- therapeutic exercise.
The neurosurgeon has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating osteoporosis, and possesses techniques for minimally invasive treatment of pathological fractures that are manifested by persistent pain. The rehabilitation specialist will select an individual set of exercises for the patient.
All patients with osteoporosis are registered with the clinic and regularly receive conservative therapy aimed at minimizing the occurrence of complications.
