|
Thursday, 09 July 2009 10:16 |
 AddThis Social Bookmark Button
Every 8 minutes, someone is admitted to an Australian hospital with an osteoporotic fracture. This is expected to rise to every 3 - 4 minutes by the year 2021.
About 50% of people with one fracture due to osteoporosis will have another. The risk of future fractures rises with each new fracture, this is called the 'cascade effect'. The 'cascade effect' means that women who have suffered a fracture in their spine are over 4 times more likely to have another fracture within the next year, compared to women who have never had an osteoporotic fracture.
1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men over 60 years will have an osteoporotic fracture in Australia.
Two thirds of fractures of the spine are not identified or treated, even though they nearly all cause pain and some disability. Often people believe that the symptoms of spine fracture, back pain, height loss or rounding of the spine are just due to 'old age'. However, for many people, osteoporotic fractures can be prevented, or at least your risk of having further fractures greatly reduced.
Preventing Fracture CascadeIt is important that any fracture is treated immediately by your doctor, in order to prevent a fracture cascade.
Your doctor may suggest the following if you have a vertebral fracture:
- Pain relief with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
- Abdominal bracing exercises
- Posture exercises
- Physiotherapy
- Hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy is a good way to start exercising again. Strengthening exercises in the water are great because the warmth and buoyancy make slow, gentle movements easier.
It is important to exercise under the supervision of a physiotherapist to reduce the risk of falling and further injury. Physiotherapists can also advise you about maintaining good posture and show you techniques to relieve pain.
HealingThe pain from spinal compression fractures, usually lasts only for 6 - 8 weeks, and should subside as the fracture heals, permanent changes to your posture can lead to chronic pain. This is why it is important to seek medical attention if you are at risk of having Osteoporosis, and are experiencing back pain. If you have had multiple crush fractures, pain relief medications given in combination with physiotherapy have been shown to be most effective. Talk to your physiotherapist about TENS machines and other pain-relieving treatments.
Hip FracturesIf you experience a hip fracture, your doctor will advise what type of surgery and treatment will be best for you. You may require admission to a rehabilitation hospital to help you become physically independent. You may need rehabilitation as an outpatient at the hospital or at home, depending on your situation. Home-based rehabilitation usually will be supervised by your physiotherapist.
|
|
Last Updated on Wednesday, 15 July 2009 11:56 |
Osteoporosis Management 
