Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is one of the most common bone diseases. It appears most commonly in advanced age and is especially frequent in women. Osteoporosis alters the constitution and the thickness of the bones: the bones become porous.

Consequently, there is an increased risk of fractures. The disease can affect either the entire skeleton or merely individual bones – such as the vertebrae.

Many factors can be considered the cause of this disease. For instance, a deficiency of calcium and vitamin D, hormonal disorders or lack of movement. The actual cause of osteoporosis, however, can only be determined by us during an individual treatment appointment.

Symptoms: You normally do not feel any symptoms of osteoporosis in the beginning, since the weakening of the bones takes place very slowly. You only start feeling pain and limitations in mobility if there occur deformations of the bones or fractures. Fractures of spinal column elements can cause not only a curvature of the spinal column, but also a reduction of the elements’ size. Fainting can occur if the nerves are compressed.

Therapies: Conservative therapies, for example with medication, are sometimes appropriate to stop the progression of osteoporosis and suppress the pain. We employ kyphoplasty in order to correct changes which already occurred and to restitute damaged vertebrae. Another alternative are stabilization measures (spondylodesis).