![]() Maintaining a healthy diet is important for healthy bones. Our caregivers can help set up medication calendars and alarms, and inform your loved one when it is time to take a medication. Taking all prescribed medications and supplements can be difficult for older adults. Our in-home care providers are available to assess your loved one’s home for fall risks and assist as they move around their home or community. Even a mild fall can cause a compression fracture in an older adult with weaker bones. How Can In-Home Care Provide Assistance?Ī Visiting Angels’ senior care provider can also help your loved one take steps to avoid a compression fracture in many ways, including:įalls can lead to serious injuries in older adults. However, if problems persist or worsen, surgery may be an option. Treatment is usually conservative - a short period of bed rest along with physical therapy, pain medication, and spinal braces for most cases. If you suspect your loved one might be dealing with a vertebral compression fracture, speak with their primary care provider as soon as possible.Ī compression fracture can be treated to reduce symptoms and prevent complications. If your loved one has any of these conditions, stay on top of their treatment to decrease their risk. Low calcium intake or poor calcium absorption.Inactivity and/or poor balance or posture.How Can Seniors Avoid or Cope With Compression Fractures?Ĭonditions that reduce bone density or weaken the bones can increase the risk of a compression fracture, including: Deep vein thrombosis (dangerous blood clots).If untreated, compression fractures can impede a senior’s quality of life by leading to serious complications, including: Gradual loss of height and/or stooped posture.Limited spinal range of motion (bending or twisting the spine becomes difficult, painful, or impossible).New and sudden back pain that increases in intensity while upright and decrease while lying on the back.Symptoms in older adults may be misunderstood or ignored because of similarities to common conditions such as arthritis. Symptoms of Compression Fractures in Seniors Seniors with weak bones may develop compression fractures from everyday activities such as lifting a light object or simply sneezing. However, older adults – especially those with weak bones or osteoporosis – may be at higher risk from potential falls or accidents. The condition can occur in a healthy person’s spine due to extreme trauma. An estimated 25 percent of all post-menopausal women in the United States experience a compression fracture. What is a Compression Fracture?Ī compression fracture, or vertebral compression fracture, is a spinal injury that occurs when a crack or fracture develops in one or more bones that form the spine.Ĭompression fractures are most common among the elderly and women. If so, a “compression fracture” could be the nagging issue. Have you recently noticed a senior loved one moving around more slowly or suffering from debilitating back pain? Are they struggling to bend or twist their back or have they developed a stooped-over posture? He will review the risks and benefits of each option and assist you in deciding which one is best for you.How Do Compression Fractures Affect Seniors? Your doctor will review treatment options once he has diagnosed your condition and determined the cause of your symptoms. ![]() Order diagnostic tests such as x-rays, CT and MRI scans or review the results of scans you have already had.Perform a physical exam including an assessment of nerve function, muscle strength, response to sensory input (such as pressure and touch) and check reflexes.Review your symptoms (such as where you have pain, weakness, and numbness) and what limitations these symptoms place on your everyday activities.Emergency treatment for a suspected spinal fracture caused by trauma usually begins with pain control and stabilization to prevent further damage. Nachwalter are highly experienced in assessing and treating spinal fractures. Accurate diagnosis is the key to appropriate and effective treatment for your symptoms.
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