With natural aging our bones become weaker, but in some patients this happens at a faster rate and the bones become weak to the point that they are prone to breaking without significant trauma. Osteoporosis in the spine leads to the weakened vertebral bones having a high risk for fracture without trauma, and when this happens the bone crushes down to become flattened.
A fracture at a single vertebrae can be painful and often requires medical attention. When fractures occur at multiple vertebrae this can lead to patients becoming shorter as well as having a more rounded (kyphotic) back. The best management for this condition is prevention, and this is something that should be discussed with your doctor.
The diagnosis is confirmed with a Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan which compares the density of your bone to that of healthy people. When your bone density if below a certain threshold your doctor may recommend medical treatment to prevent further fractures.
Management of an acute fracture is often symptomatic only, and most patients improve within 3 months with only supportive treatment. Options for treating patients who have severe pain not responding to simple treatment include kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty and these can lead to improved early and long term recovery.