[Click! Health] Chilly Weather... "Women Aged 50 and Over, Beware of Spinal Compression Fractures"

As the weather turns chilly in autumn and outdoor activities such as hiking increase, there is a growing need for caution as spinal compression fractures are on the rise among elderly women aged 50 and above.

Spinal compression fracture.
[Photo by Seoul Yes Hospital]

Ha Joo-kyung, head of the Spine Center at Seoul Yes Hospital, advised on the 21st, "Women over 50 who have osteoporosis or low bone density often suffer from spinal compression fractures even from minor impacts, so careful attention is necessary." According to Director Ha, during autumn, patients visiting hospitals complaining of spinal compression fracture symptoms due to falls or external impacts while enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking or various sports events tend to increase.

Spinal compression fracture is a condition where the vertebrae become flattened due to external impact. It mainly occurs in elderly people with low bone density or those with osteoporosis when they experience external trauma. The hospital explains that women over 50 are particularly prone to developing this condition even from sneezing or light impacts. According to data released by the National Health Insurance Service in 2020, there were approximately 1,047,000 osteoporosis patients in South Korea. Among them, 94.3% were women, and those in their 50s to 70s accounted for 86.8% of all patients. For elderly women, the frequency of household chores increases during the kimjang season, and spinal compression fractures can occur even from minor impacts such as falling backward after squatting for a long time.

When a spinal compression fracture occurs, severe pain is felt when trying to get up from lying down or sitting. Symptoms worsen when coughing or sneezing, and due to leg pain, elderly patients may walk with a waddling gait. Acute compression fractures caused by sudden breaks result in back pain. Mild symptoms can be mistaken for simple muscle pain or ordinary back pain.

Director Ha explained, "Spinal compression fractures are characterized by severe pain in the back and waist that makes movement difficult, with pain radiating to the chest, lower abdomen, and buttocks. In contrast, lumbar disc herniation causes symptoms such as numbness or pulling sensations in the lower back, buttocks, thighs, calves, and feet, which helps differentiate the two." He advised, "If back pain is so severe that turning over is impossible and the body gradually bends forward over time, spinal compression fracture should be suspected, and immediate hospital consultation is recommended."

If early treatment of spinal compression fractures is neglected and left untreated for a long time, it can cause chronic lower back pain and weaken cardiopulmonary function. Progressive spinal compression fractures can lead to kyphosis, a forward curvature of the spine affecting the back and waist. Bone fragments from the fracture may compress nerves, causing neurological symptoms such as paralysis. In some cases, avascular necrosis, where the inside of the fractured bone deteriorates, can occur, so caution is necessary.

According to Director Ha, it is important to determine the treatment method based on the degree of pain and diagnostic results. Since many cases are caused by osteoporosis, prevention of osteoporosis is essential. Continuous calcium intake and vitamin D production through sunlight exposure are important; if this is insufficient, direct vitamin D supplementation helps prevent osteoporosis.

If the spinal bones are already damaged, different treatments should be attempted depending on the symptoms. If back pain is not severe and the compression fracture is not progressing, most cases improve with 2 to 3 weeks of rest and lying down. Pain can be reduced by avoiding activities that trigger symptoms and through medication, physical therapy, and orthotic treatment. However, if symptoms do not improve or pain persists or worsens despite these methods, surgical treatment is necessary.

To prevent spinal compression fractures, strengthening the back muscles is recommended. Muscle support around the bones is needed to prevent fractures from minor impacts. Maintaining strong bones through adequate nutrition is also important. Consuming sufficient calcium and vitamin D by eating milk, cheese, and anchovies, and reducing salty foods that deplete calcium from the body is advisable. Avoiding excessive alcohol and smoking, and regularly performing aerobic exercises such as stretching and walking to maintain bone mass are also helpful.

Director Ha advised, "For elderly women whose bones are already weakened, avoiding falls in daily life is the best strategy." He suggested, "Installing mats in bathrooms where most household falls occur to prevent slippery floors, and placing handrails near toilets and bathtubs for support are effective measures."

Hajugyeong, Director of the Spine Center at Seoul Yes Hospital.
[Photo by Seoul Yes Hospital]

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