Among the elderly and women with weak bones, even a small impact such as a light accident or fall can easily cause vertebral compression fractures, in which bones are broken and distorted.
Vertebral compression fractures, one of the degenerative disc diseases, easily occur when bone density is low. Bones with low bone density have many small holes like a sponge and are easily brittle and brittle.
When a vertebral compression fracture occurs, severe pain occurs in the fractured area, but there are no symptoms of numbness or paralysis in the leg unless there is a spinal cord injury.
However, if it is not severe and is neglected, it can develop into kyphosis in which the back bends backwards, so it is necessary to be diagnosed and treated at a spine specialist hospital.
Director Won-seok Choi of Spine Surgery at Charmteunten Hospital (Guro)[사진]Vertebral compression fractures can be diagnosed with simple radiographs such as X-rays.
To determine more accurately, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and, if there is a history, physical and neurological examinations, including underlying diseases, may be required.
Exercise is helpful in preventing vertebral compression fractures. However, it is better to choose the difficulty level and event according to the physical condition. Director Choi said, “Swimming is a representative exercise that does not put too much strain on the back. To strengthen weakened muscles, light strength exercises such as climbing stairs and jogging are helpful. Yoga and stretching are also effective for improving muscle flexibility and improving a sense of balance.” say
Diet control is also important. Eat regularly, but a diet rich in protein and calcium is desirable. In particular, when taking calcium, take vitamin D, which increases bone absorption. Because salty food takes out calcium from the body, it is necessary to eat as much as possible and to avoid smoking and drinking.
Director Choi said, “Spine compression fractures can cause chronic back pain and spinal deformity in the long term. In some cases, secondary spinal stenosis can also occur.” and advise
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