Osteoporosis is a progressive condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break.
As a result of this loss of bone, many osteoporosis patients will
also suffer spinal compression fractures, with 1.4 million new clinical
vertebral fractures reported in the year 2000.1 Such
fractures can have a serious impact on a person’s ability to maintain an
active lifestyle, with pain and a loss of confidence presenting two
formidable challenges to overcome.
One therapeutic option available to osteoporotic patients is
semi-rigid back bracing. These kinds of medical orthoses are designed to
alleviate the symptoms of vertebral osteoporosis and help patients stay
active, but what evidence is there that these products work?
What causes osteoporosis?
Bone naturally becomes thinner as a person ages, but women are
especially vulnerable to osteoporosis after the menopause because their
ovaries no longer produce oestrogen hormones which help maintain bone
mass. Around 200 million women worldwide are estimated to be affected by
osteoporosis.2
Other causes of osteoporosis are:
- Removal of the ovaries
- A diet lacking sufficient calcium
- Certain hormonal disorders
- Prolonged use of corticosteroid drugs
- Prolonged immobility
Osteoporosis is also more common in heavy smokers and drinkers.
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