In this article, learn more about osteoporosis, its sources of pain, and how to cope.
Typically, fractures account for osteoporosis-related pain, but certain medications can also cause pain.
About 2 million broken bones per year are due to osteoporosis in the United States.
Jasmin Merdan / Getty Images
Stress Fractures
Astress fractureis a tiny break in a bone, usually due to repetitive movement.
Osteoporosis is the most common cause of spinal compression fractures.
Compression fractures cause back pain that can either come on slowly or be sudden and severe.
Some compression fractures also press on the nerves, which can cause nerve pain.
Microfractures of this tissue are common among people with osteoporosis.
Medication Side Effects
Ironically, some medications thattreat osteoporosismay cause bone pain as a side effect.
Medication
Sometimes,analgesic(pain-relieving) medications treat osteoporosis-associated pain.
This could result from sudden pain from a broken bone or chronic pain.
Different medications may be recommended based on pain level, cause, and duration.
Examples include heating pads, ice packs, hot or cold plunge pools, and ultrasound.
Alternating hot and cold may also help.
Consulting a healthcare provider before using heating or cooling therapies is recommended.
Thermal therapies may not be recommended for people with nerve involvement.
Using very cold or very hot packs may also cause burning or other side effects.
Sometimes, your healthcare provider may recommend a brace to heal and support osteoporosis-associated fractures.
Back braces are commonly recommended for people with compression fractures.
Physical Therapy
Your healthcare provider may recommendphysical therapyif you have pain fromosteoporosis-related fractures.
Exercise
Exercise, particularly weight-bearing and resistance exercises, can help slow bone loss.
Complementary Therapy
Some complementary approaches may also help you manage osteoporosis-related chronic pain.
There are usually no signs of osteoporosis until you get an often very painful bone fracture.
Screening for osteoporosis is important and can help prevent fractures and osteoporosis pain.
They can perform a bone density scan if you are not already diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Summary
It is essential to diagnose and treat osteoporosis to prevent painful fractures.
A Word From Verywell
You are not alone if you have osteoporosis and pain.
Osteoporosis itself is not a painful condition.
It can take several weeks to several months for a fracture to heal.
Healing time can depend on the throw in of fracture, location, complexity, and other factors.
Yes, vitamins and supplements can help increase bone density.
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