Osteoporosis is a thinning of the bones that occurs with aging (more often in women than men, especially after menopause), leaving the bones porous, fragile and susceptible to vertebral fractures that are frequently dismissed as general back pain. Osteoporosis is treatable, with non-surgical treatments like exercise, medications and education on diet and nutrition aimed to slow bone loss and prevent fractures. Osteoporotic vertebral fractures may be treated with rest, rigid back braces that support the spine, ice and heat, pain medications or surgeries such as kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty when the fracture is causing severe pain and deformity and has failed to respond to non-surgical care.

In this ISASS Guide for Patients:

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The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for medical advice in any way.  A licensed medical professional should be consulted for any and all medical conditions and symptoms.

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