Dr. K: Spinal fractures lead to loss of height in seniors
By DR. KOMOROFF Universal Uclick on Aug 30, 2013, at 2:21 AM Updated on 8/30/13 at 5:08 AM
Dr. K
Dear Doctor K: I have hypertension. Should I be monitoring my blood pressure at home?
Dear Doctor K: After my last mammogram, the doctor told me I have dense breasts. Does this increase my risk of cancer?
Dear Doctor K: Why do so many people lose height and develop a stooped posture as they age?
Dear Reader: In many older people, loss of height and stooped posture results from fractures of the spine.
The vertebrae (bones of the spine) are like little cubes. When they break, they are compressed, not snapped. They get crunched down.
When the bones of your spine lose height, you lose height. The bones of your spine hold you upright. Those bones (and other bones throughout the body) become weak and susceptible to fractures because of osteoporosis.
Though it may seem solid, bone is continually demolished and reconstructed. Inside all of your bones, some cells are adding new bone and other cells are eating away at the old bone. Normally, the bone-building process is equal to the bone-destroying process, so that your bones are neither too thick nor too thin. With osteoporosis, bone reconstruction lags behind bone demolition.
In many cases, vertebral fractures cause little or no pain. The main clue that they have occurred is a gradual shrinkage or stooped posture. As the number of fractures increases, the spine becomes progressively more distorted. The upper body is thrust down and forward. The abdominal muscles sag, and the space between the ribs and the pelvis closes. The chest wall becomes cramped; abdominal organs are compressed. Breathing may become difficult and digestion may be impaired. Because walking erect is difficult, a cane or walker becomes essential.
Given the serious consequences of osteoporosis, you should take steps to prevent it:
- Get enough calcium and vitamin D through foods and, if necessary, vitamin supplements.
- Regularly perform weight-bearing exercises.
- Don't smoke and avoid excess alcohol.
- If you have recently entered menopause, ask your doctor about preventive medications.
Write Dr. K at
www.AskDoctorK.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106
Original Print Headline: Spinal fractures lead to loss of height in seniors
Dr. K
Dear Doctor K: I have hypertension. Should I be monitoring my blood pressure at home?
Dear Doctor K: After my last mammogram, the doctor told me I have dense breasts. Does this increase my risk of cancer?
