If you have osteoporosis, then you may develop some complications from the disorder. Complications include fractures, and any type of bone in your body can break due to general weaknesses. One serious bone break issue may be noted when the spinal vertebrae develop fractures. This is sometimes referred to as spinal compression fractures, and the issue forms when you place stress, pressure, and weight on weakened vertebrae. Something as simple as a forceful cough or the lifting of a heavy box may cause the spinal bones to fracture. Compression fractures can be painful, and medications are often used as the first type of treatment. Pain medication and osteoporosis medicines may both be offered. Specifically, bisphosphonates may be prescribed. Keep reading to understand how the medication can help you.

How Do Bisphosphonates Help With Compression Fractures?

Bisphosphonates are specific types of osteoporosis medications that help to strengthen the bones. They do this by stopping bone loss and by allowing the osteoblasts to build healthy bone cells. Not only do the medications allow for strength, but also they assist in increasing the bone mineral density. This means that fewer holes and openings are located within the bones. 

When a bone breaks, like in the case of a spinal compression fracture, the crack in the bone must go through a remodeling process where both osteoclasts and osteoblasts cells have a job to do. You should understand that bisphosphonates do not allow for a great deal of osteoclast action. Osteoclasts are responsible for the breakdown of old bone tissues. While this may seem like a good thing in terms of your osteoporosis, remodeling does require the breakdown of old bone around the break so new cells can rebuild the entire fracture area. Since this does not happen, new cells will simply fill in the crack. The repair will not be as strong as one if you were not taking bisphosphonates.

While it is true that your bones cannot remodel completely like they should. The medication does play an important role in the healing process. If spinal vertebrae are already weak, then a fracture can weaken the bones even more. This typically leads to a series of small fractures in the spinal column. In other words, the compression problem will continue to worsen. Since the bisphosphonates strengthen the bones, you can expect a 50% reduction in new fractures.

You should understand that you may need to wear a neck or a back brace to help stabilize your spine as you take the medication. This can minimize fractures as the bisphosphonates start to stimulate osteoblasts.

Are Bisphosphonates The Only Treatment You Need?

If your osteoporosis condition is caught early enough and compression fractures are not widespread, then the medication alone or with the use of a brace may be all that is required to treat your condition. While this is true, it may not be enough. This is especially true if fractures continue to develop even when you take the medication.

Activity modification, long-term bracing, diet changes, and lifestyle changes may all be required to prevent the continuation of your fracture issue. However, surgery may be needed if chronic pain is an issue. The most significant issue may be seen from nerve pain. 

There are a wide variety of surgical procedures that can be completed that include spinal fusion. Spinal fusions is often the final surgery that is completed if other treatments do not work. Something called vertebroplasty may be scheduled first that allows a surgeon to place bone cement within the fractures to help strengthen the vertebrae. 

If you are worried about a possible compression fracture condition, then make sure to speak with a surgeon or an osteoporosis specialist so you know about the different types of treatments that are available to you. For more information, visit a website such as http://swfna.com.