Spine and Osteoporosis – What You Need to Know – By Dr Shailesh Hadgaonkar
Pune 20 0ct 2018: A 55 year old female came to us with complaints of mid back pain since a few weeks . She was operated
for her lower back 10 years ago. Her x-ray showed fracture of one of her spinal vertebrae .
On clinically assessing her and evaluating her radiologically ,she was diagnosed to have osteoporotic
vertebral compression fracture(OVCF).
She was treated with anti-osteoporotic medication and was advised complete bed rest for a few weeks . She
was back to normal by her 3rd month follow up.
What is osteoporosis? How to diagnose it? How to
prevent and treat osteoporosis?
On this World Osteoporosis Day, Dr Shailesh Hadgaonkar ,Director of Spine Unit ,Sancheti clinics
Pune , clear all the myths about osteoporosis.
Dr Hadgaonkar says “It’s all about brittle and weak bones “. Osteoporosis means porous bone or decrease
in Bone Mineral Density . It usually affects the elderly and women more commonly than men due to
menopause and other hormonal changes.
Dr Hadgaonkar also added that “Not all patients with Osteoporosis will end up with a fracture, but
Osteoporosis is just a contributing factor to a fracture.”
Although genes play a part, health and diet have a huge effect on osteoporosis . Regular exercises,
calcium rich food and Vitamin D are vital for prevention of osteoporosis “Most of the patients suffering from Osteoporosis come to us with complaints of mid and low back pain which worsens on standing for prolonged periods.
Patients also notice a gradual forward bending of the spine in some cases. Few patients also present with fractures of the Spine , Hip or Wrist bone ” added Dr Hadgaonkar. “Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry(DEXA) scan is
used to diagnose Osteoporosis. A T-score of less than -2.5 is diagnostic of Osteoporosis according to World
Health Organisation(WHO) , said Dr Ashish Yadav, Spine Specialist and a Team member of the Spine Unit
at Sancheti Hospital, Pune.
Dr Ashish says “Prevention is better than cure. A few small changes in your daily routine can help prevent
Osteoporosis . Regular exercise like morning walks and yoga help in strengthening your bone. Calcium rich food like Milk , Almonds should be a part of your diet . Sunlight is an important source of vitamin D ,which helps in calcium
absorption. Exposure to sunlight for 15 to 20 minutes per day can help prevent Osteoporosis. ”
Dr Hadgaonkar says “Osteoporosis is a medical disease. It can be treated non surgically with newly
and easily available anti-resorptive and bone forming drugs like Denosumab, Teriparatide , Bisphosphonates.
Few patients with spine fractures may require surgical intervention to prevent further complications.”
Spinal fractures without neurological compromise , can be treated with a Keyhole Day Care procedure
called Vertebroplasty, for immediate and persistent pain relief.
In cases of neurological compromise /presence of an unstable spine, fixation with implants is warranted.
On this World Osteoporosis day, the take home message is Eating healthy , Exercising regularly and
Working smart will keep your Spine standing.
