腰酸背痛可能是骨質疏鬆作怪

Many people suffer from lower back pain, with the location of the pain changing daily. After neurological examinations and spinal imaging (such as X-rays and MRIs) to rule out nerve compression or degenerative spinal diseases, the cause remains elusive. At this point, you may need to consider a hidden culprit: osteoporosis and the resulting microfractures.

Microfractures: Early warning signs of osteoporosis
Normal bone structure is dense and strong, with an outer layer of cortical bone and an inner layer of medullary bone (sponge bone). The medullary bone is supported by many transversely arranged trabeculae, providing bone strength and elasticity. As we age, the trabeculae in patients with osteoporosis gradually become thinner, break, or collapse, forming "microfractures" that are difficult to detect with the naked eye.

Because changes in cortical bone are not obvious in the early stages, microfractures are not easily detected. Routine X-rays also struggle to detect these tiny fractures. These minute injuries can only be observed under a microscope. Therefore, physicians usually infer the cause based on medical history and clinical symptoms. When other examinations fail to clarify the diagnosis, bone mineral density testing becomes an important diagnostic tool.
The link between osteoporosis and lower back pain
MicrofractureAlthough minor, these tiny fractures can cause persistent lower back pain. They irritate surrounding nerves and tissues, triggering pain. The location of the pain can also shift due to minor bone movements. Therefore, lower back pain can be an early warning sign of osteoporosis and should not be ignored.

Diagnosis and Treatment
When osteoporosis is suspected, doctors will recommend treatment.Bone density test(For example, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, DXA) can be used to assess bone mineral density and fracture risk. If osteoporosis is diagnosed, appropriate medication will be selected based on the severity of the condition and individual circumstances. This may include bisphosphonates, selective estrogen receptor modulators, calcitonin, and parathyroid hormone. Drug therapy can effectively inhibit bone loss, slow trabecular bone fracture, and thus relieve pain symptoms.

Prevention is better than cure
Preventing osteoporosis should begin in youth. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sun exposure (promoting bone health) are essential.Vitamin D Bone health maintenance is crucial, including avoiding synthetic bone marrow, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption. Menopausal women and high-risk groups should undergo regular bone density tests for early detection and treatment to effectively prevent microfractures and other osteoporosis-related complications.

In short, there are many causes of lower back pain, and microfractures caused by osteoporosis are one easily overlooked factor. If other examinations still cannot provide a clear diagnosis, a bone density test should be considered for early detection and treatment to prevent the condition from worsening and maintain quality of life.