Consequences of a Spinal Fracture
Spinal fractures
Spinal fracture A fracture of any element of the spinal column.
are more common than people might realize. Most women associate a hunched back and deformed spine with the elderly and assume it is an inevitable result of aging.
 Actually, it is a result of weak bones due to conditions like
osteoporosis
OsteoporosisA disease that causes the bones to become weak or brittle, and more likely to break (fracture) than normal bones.
. Each time a bone fractures in your spine, it puts greater stress on the surrounding
vertebrae
Vertebra (plural form: vertebrae)Small bones that join together in a line to form the backbone or spine. Any one of the 33 bones that form the spinal column.
. (Yuan 2004) Spinal fractures lead to more spinal fractures. (Lindsay 2001) After multiple fractures, a misaligned spine can no longer support itself correctly and begins to curve forward—creating a
hunched back
Hunched backA forward curving of the spine that causes a bowing of the back, due to osteoporosis and multiple spinal fractures.
. (Gold 2003, Silverman 1992)
Who's at Risk?
The risk of having a spinal fracture is greatest for
postmenopausal
PostmenopausalRefers to a woman who no longer has a menstrual cycle. As hormonal levels change, many postmenopausal women are at increased risk of osteoporosis.
women over 55. Having osteoporosis, or a family history of osteoporosis, is one of the factors that puts you at greater risk. Height loss and low bone mineral density may also indicate an increased risk. In addition, lifestyle factors such as smoking, inactivity, or a diet low in calcium can increase the risk for spinal fractures.(National Osteoporosis Foundation)
If you have a spinal fracture or are at risk for fracture from osteoporosis, it is important that you also address the underlying condition of osteoporosis. Please talk to your doctor about how you can improve your bone health and reduce your risk for future fractures through a combination of medication, diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications.
Get a better sense of your personal
risk factors
Risk factor
A condition or action that may increase the chance of developing a disease.
for spinal fracture by completing our Risk Assessment.
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