Contact Us      |      Site Map      |      About Us

Preventative treatment may include:

• Medications to treat osteoporosis (such as Actonel; Fosamax; Miacalcin)
• A well-balanced diet
• A regular exercise or activity program
• Smoking cessation
• Calcium supplements
• Multivitamins (including vitamins C and D)
• Hormonal replacement therapy should also be considered in female patients
• Alteration/Evaluation in the medications and dosage of drugs that predispose the patients to osteoporosis (e.g., steroids)

To further assist in back health, measures to prevent falls must be initiated by patients and their caregivers. Family physicians can take a leadership role by assessing and addressing those factors that can increase the incidence of vertebral compression fractures in elderly persons, such as inappropriate or over-medication, use of restraints, unsafe home situations, and physical abuse.

NEXT» Prognosis of a Vertebral Fracture