hi all, a bit worried about this one as I went to see my gp because of a curve at the top of my spine and discomfort in my upper back and neck area. So she agreed there was a curve and is querying whether I may have a compression fracture because of the appearance of my upper spine. I've been for an xray been referred to a spine clinic and also had blood tests done. So obviously I have to do follow up to discover if it is, as she suspects it might be, osteoporosis. So the worry is what can they do if my spine is in fact fractured? I hope it's not the case. But if it is and it's old I am not sure what they can do with that. Any advice? Anyone else had a similar experience? thanks
I would say if it’s an old fracture then there’s not much that can be done. To confirm osteoporosis you would need to have a Dexa scan. Depending on what the results are you may be offered medication or you could change things like exercise, diet etc.
I think you’d find it helpful to contact The Royal Osteoporosis Society. They have a free helpline where you can talk to specialist nurses. You’ll also find lots of useful information on their website. Hope that helps.
Hi Margaret, welcome to the forum.
I quite understand your concern, breaking any bones is scary. although my breaks have been in different areas to you, ( coccyx and both wrists) all I can say is fractures DO heal and depending on the cause, appropriate steps can be taken to avoid more breaks in the future.
Once your test results come back, your GP should have more idea as to how you should proceed. Hopefully your tests have included vit D and tests for parathyroid. If they haven’t already been done, make sure your GP requests them. If like me you live in the UK, you may find the range of blood tests on offer is very limited, certainly compared with our American members.
Its early days yet, but you could start reading about OP. Look critically at your present diet, does it contain all the main nutrients, especially protein and Calcium ? Don’t start buying any supplements until you have a confirmed diagnosis and indication of what you may be short of, that you cannot get by adjusting your diet. I initially wasted a lot of money panic buying supplements like Ca, only to find its best obtained from diet.
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Keep an open mind about treatment that your GP may suggest. Our requirements differ from person to person.
Best wishes
Hi I have osteoporisis but when it was first diagnosed I was asked if my mum had a Dowagers Hump which she did. She had not broken anything and never had any problems. Hope this helps.
A fractured vertebrae caused by osteoporosis does not break in the same way as a broken finger or arm. The vertebrae fractures but typically stays together. (However it does collapse on itself which puts pressure on the disc which causes pain.) It looks like broken glass, with fractures all thru it. If it is a new break and it’s causing you pain the normal treatment is a procedure called kyphoplasty. The surgeon injects bone cement into the cracks of the vertebrae which then lifts it back up and makes it stronger. In almost every case this is a simple procedure done as an outpatient. But you should know that there is the risk of the surgeon getting some of the bone cement into your pulmonary artery and then the cement will travel to your lungs. While this is rare, it happened to me. And the surgeon did not tell me that this was a risk. I am better now but spent 3 days in ICU followed with 6 months of having to wear oxygen 24/7. I’m not trying to scare you but I think you should know all the risks.
thanks for your reply. I will wait to see what diagnosis I get but may well contact the society then.
yes I know my doctor has tested vitamin d and other vitamins and all the usual routine blood work . Thankfully my blood sugar and cholesterol are always within a good range. I hope that is still the case. My diet isn’t perfect for sure but not dreadful. I am totally prepared to make alterations if that will help. Of course it may not be osteoporosis but I am beginning to feel it is the most likely scenario.
hi yes we did talk about that. I already knew about dowager hump because I googled - of course - after noticing the curve. My gp felt the curve wasn’t just straightforward but looked like there was a distinct indent which is why she is thinking of a fracture.
sorry for the trauma. Sounds particularly awful. Glad you recovered. I did read that procedures were problematic. As you say it is as well to be armed with the info. thanks
It may not be a fracture. I have what you describe with arthritis in the neck and back and scoliosis plus degenerated disc disease and osteoporosis which is all bad enough but not a fracture in my case.
Whether you have osteoporosis or not it is worthwhile to start a regimen that supports your bones and general health. Check your calcium and vitamin D 3 levels in your blood tests. Take vitamin K2 to aim the calcium onto the bones and put of the arteries. Have a really good diet of fruit and vegetables. A good start then for you!
And all the best!
Hi Margaret,
Once you know for sure if you have Osteoporosis, you can do something about that. Try to avoid taking Biphosphonates as they are total poison and will not build the right type of bone. Bio-identical HRT pellets are the way to go to improve your overall health. HRT Pellets will build new bone at approximately 10% per year.
As far as the bump in your spine, since you do not know if it is a fracture or not, try not to worry too much. After you get the results, you may be able to have physical therapy or chiropractic adjustments to help your bump. Keep us posted when you have the results of all the tests. Some fractures will heal on their own and may not cause pain.
What is your age, height and weight? You mention your diet is not great. That is something you can fix. A healthy diet and moderate weight bearing exercise (walking) can do so much to solve health problems. It is your life. However, you must be the one to take care of your body. Doctors only treat symptoms. You must make the changes in order to have a healthy lifestyle.
Good luck and wishes for good health.
Sincerely,
JoAnn
If you find it’s either an old fracture and no treatment needed or possible, or if there is no actual fracture, you can work on reversing the kyphosis. My physiotherapist got me to buy one of those big foam exercise rollers and I’m supposed to lie on it for a fair amount of time each day (afraid I only do a couple of minutes, part of my exercise regime) with the roller crossways under my should blades, and supporting my head with my hands, to avoid stressing the neck too much. The other thing is to take up Nordic walking. A friend of mine had actually become completely doubled over. With walking poles she is able to stand upright. She was a star pupil with the instructor because although she’s unable to use the poles quite the correct way she did learn, and has benefited.
sorry think you misunderstood. I said my diet was pretty good. my blood tests still confirm that. low cholsterol and blood sugar. I said it wasn’t perfect but it is good. I also do nordic walking and cycle. I know it is tempting to lay blame but not sure that works here. I do however, have an auto immune disease and apparently there us a higher risk factor there.
thanks for that yes my bit d is a bit low.
hi yes I do nordic walking already and it is very good for my lower back particularly. It has helped back pain immensely. I have a prolapse disc in my lower back.
Glad to hear your diet is good and blood work is better than average too. What is your auto immune disease?
I have Behcet’s disease (though in remission currently). I understand that having these type of auto immune disorder …things like Lupus also…put you into a higher risk category for osteoporosis. Many of us have continual issues with vit d not sure if that has anything to do with it.
Hi Margaret,
I am sorry to hear about your autoimmune problems. Since I have no knowledge about it, I cannot offer any advice. However, I do know this about Vitamin D deficiencies and you may already know this as well. Your ability to absorb calcium is dependent on Vitamin D. I also have low levels of D because I have high levels of lead and other heavy metals. I use a sublingual Vitamin D3 Emulsion supplement from Biotics Research. It has no unpleasant taste and is more quickly & readily absorbed by your body. Following the sublingual dose with a teaspoon of Almond Butter will help with the absorption process. Vitamind D pills that go through your digestive tract are not as effective. Ask your doctor to be sure it is okay to take. It is an over the counter product and I buy it on the internet.
You have my prayers for your health.
Sincerely,
JoAnn
thank you JoAnn very kind. I will look at that supplement. I am seeing my gp tomorrow and will mention it. I want to get my bit d up a bit. I have been feeling quite tired. Do you think that fatigue can be linked to vit d deficiency?
Margaret,
Honestly, I do not know about your fatigue issues. See what the labs show. My husband is ALWAYS tired and needs 9-10 hours of sleep. I manage perfectly well on 4-6 hours of sleep and have tons of energy. I am 70 and he is 72. Everyone is different. I have always been low on Vit D and always have tons of energy. Once I got on HRT Pellets, I actually noticed that I have more energy and love staying up all night. My husband cannot understand how I can do that and still function the next day. It does not bother me at all.
Maybe there is some other deficiency that is causing you to feel tired. Diets high in processed sugar can affect energy levels. The “crash” some experience when they are low on sugar manifests itself in a feeling of exhaustion. You can read up on how to detox if you think sugar is the culprit. Typically as we age, we need more sleep. I am not that typical person though. Fatigue can be caused by so many factors including our thyroid, age, anemia, dehydration, diabetes, heart disease etc. Work with your Doc to rule out each factor and you may be able to pinpoint the cause.
Blessing and prayers for you to feel well soon.
Sincerely,
JoAnn