Osteoporosis

Capital Brain and Spine

Desh Sahni, M.D.

Neurosurgeon & Orthopedic Spine Surgeon located in Austin, TX & San Antonio, TX

An estimated 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, a disease that weakens your bones and makes you more susceptible to fractures. Desh Sahni, MD, at Capital Brain & Spine in Austin, Texas, is a physician and neurosurgeon who provides compassionate care and management for osteoporosis, including management of spinal fractures. For an evaluation and treatment plan, call the office today or schedule an appointment using the online booking tool.

Osteoporosis Q & A

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes weak bones and an increased risk of bone breakage. Osteoporosis can develop at any time, but it most often occurs in men and women as they get older. It’s also more common in women than men.

Your bone is living tissue that’s constantly breaking down and rebuilding. As you get older, the rate of bone breakdown begins to exceed bone renewal, leading to more porous and weaker bones.

Women are at greater risk of osteoporosis because their bones are naturally thinner, and once women reach menopause, they lose some of their bone-building power due to the decrease in estrogen levels.

How do I know if I have osteoporosis?

You may not know you have osteoporosis until you inadvertently break a bone. Dr. Sahni can determine your risk of osteoporosis after an examination and a review of your medical records. He can also assess bone density using a special low-radiation X-ray.

Signs and symptoms that may indicate osteoporosis include:

Back pain
Loss of height
Stooped shoulders

Osteoporosis can affect almost any bone in your body, but your spine is especially vulnerable. A misstep, or even a cough, can fracture one of your vertebrae and lead to pain and discomfort.

How is osteoporosis treated?

Treatment for osteoporosis focuses on preventing bone breakage. Dr. Sahni may recommend lifestyle modifications to reduce your risk of falls. He may also prescribe medication to assist with bone building.

If you’ve suffered a spinal fracture, it may heal on its own over time. In this case, Dr. Sahni monitors your spine and helps you make adjustments to your lifestyle to support healing.

However, if your fracture fails to heal or the pain is disabling, Dr. Sahni may be able to perform a minimally invasive procedure called kyphoplasty. During this procedure, Dr. Sahni inserts a specialized balloon at the site of your fracture and fills it with bone cement. The cement restores both the height and the shape of your broken vertebrae to provide support and stability, relieving your symptoms.

Osteoporosis is a chronic health condition that can be managed to reduce your risk of bone fractures. Dr. Sahni is a kind and compassionate physician who can help improve your bone health and provide advanced treatments that relieve your back pain and let you return to the things you love.

Call Capital Brain & Spine today to schedule a consultation, or use the online booking tool.