Spinal Fractures Often Overlooked
As the baby boomer generation ages, older patients are becoming a larger portion of the patient mix at chiropractic offices. But chiropractors who treat older patients with back pain need to be vigilant about the additional risks posed by osteoporosis. Patients over 50 with osteoporosis are at a higher risk of incurring spinal fractures, and as a report released this month by the International Osteoporosis Foundation indicates, these serious fractures go undiagnosed in as many as 65% of cases worldwide. Often, the pain symptoms associated with the fracture are mistaken for arthritis, or other types of back pain, but if undetected they can lead to serious complications down the road, and increase the risk of additional fractures.
Chiropractors should be aware of the symptoms of spinal fractures, which include a stooped back, height reduction, and sudden, severe back pain. The report “The Breaking Spine” was written by researchers from the University of California and Harvard Medical School.
6 Responses to Spinal Fractures Often Overlooked
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Very eye opening post. One which probably most people don’t think about, but should. Although, it stands to reason that as certain generations age, it is a fact that many have sedentary lifestyles, don’t eat properly, or even take calcium supplements to help prevent bone loss.
Very True Info
Even beyond the osteoporosis issues, we should be eagle-eyed for compression fractures in children with serious medical issues. I once had an adolescent patient with a hormonal disease, and the child had suffered two compression fractures from normal everyday activities… and barely even knew it.
Great Chiropractic article, and very well put. An Activator or other adjusting tool can help mitigate risks to osteoporotic patients, as well as delivering a comfortable and effective treatment.
Daniel Bockmann, DC
chiropractor-austin-tx
Great post! I agree completely that we tend to overlook spinal fractures far too often. Thanks for sharing this important information.
I think that this definitely does happen. Although, hopefully its not as over looked as they think!