There is an inherent difference in the formation rate of new bones and the resorption of old bones. The body compensates by leeching bone calcium to maintain blood calcium levels.
In the initial and mild stages of the condition, the patient experiences pain and discomfort in the spine. However, as the condition progresses, the entire skeletal system is compromised, and there is an increased risk of damage and fractures. A patient’s life is compromised, and their mobility is severely restricted.
OSTEOPOROSIS – Consequences for the spine
The spine is the central bony axis of the body, bearing the weight of the head and upper body. Thus, it is one of the first areas affected when a patient suffers from osteoporosis.
The vertebrae become fragile, and even minor incidents can lead to fractures. In some cases, the form of the thoracic vertebrae collapses, resulting in so-called wedge vertebrae.
Patients tend to develop a prominent forward curvature (a forward bend) called Kyphosis of the thorax. In the long run, kyphosis can have significant consequences, including impaired breathing and cardiac activity.
Orthosis stabilises the compromised spine and provides ample support to ensure a stress-free vertical alignment. Combining a tension belt system and anatomically shaped adjustable rods offers robust support for the spinal cord, making it easier for patients to stand upright. It also alleviates pain and discomfort by relieving the vertebrae.
Back Braces in Conservative-Functional Therapy
Medical orthoses or back braces can be instrumental in all forms of conservative functional therapy. They provide much-needed support and guidance, preventing further damage and curbing the condition's progression. Back braces are highly recommended for regulated physiotherapy since they encourage health proprioception.
The added stability also profoundly affects patients' states. It eliminates the danger of unnatural movements or buckling of compromised bones.
The resulting feeling of security, in turn, increases the effectiveness of the physiotherapy exercises and home exercise programs. This enables patients affected by osteoporosis to achieve their essential therapy goals.
The orthosis also helps to reduce excessive loads on the leading edges of the vertebrae through active straightening, preventing wedge vertebrae and kyphosis.
Orthosis iKyphosisperative Care
In advanced patients with a collapse or fracturing of the vertebral column, surgical intervention might be necessary. Patients can look to radical surgical procedures like Kyphoplasty, Vascularplasty and Elastoplasty to alleviate symptoms and seek relief if all conservative approaches fail.
Today, surgeons can surgically correct the curvature of the lumbar spine (both in cases of forward and backward curvature—hyperkyphosis and Hyperlordosis).
A specially formulated bone cement formula is directly injected into the fracture and used effectively as treatment. However, this can apply excess stress on the adjacent spine segments and lead to connection fractures.
Orthosis can again be instrumental for a patient’s postoperative care. The functional unit of the back splint, pelvic bandage, and tension belt system relieves the thoracic spine more than a normal corset and ensures an even distribution of force in the affected area.
As a result, the spine can be effectively relieved and stabilised until the bone density has improved with the help of a combination therapy, and the orthosis can be gradually removed.
Orthoses Provide Stabilisation and Relief of the Spine
Bauerfeind Spinova Osteo
Medical back braces like the Spinova Osteo are valuable treatment tools for patients with osteoporosis. The brace effectively relieves the back and provides a feeling of stability.
The brace encourages healthy proprioception and can help the patient maintain an upright posture. The Spinova Osteo helps build strength in the back muscles and facilitates recovery.
The ergonomically shaped aluminium recliner in the back stabilises the thoracic and lumbar spine. The recliner forms a functional unit with the pelvic bandage made of airy, breathable mesh material and supports the transition between the spine and pelvis.
The Spinova Osteo is light and comfortable to wear, adapts to the individual body shape and is hardly visible under clothing due to its construction. As an everyday companion, the Spinova osteoporosis orthosis thus becomes an essential component of therapy, exercise and nutrition programs. It effectively supports medication and prevents consequential damage caused by the disease.
