new member questions about herniated disc and severe osteoporosis - Hernia Message Board

Dodie · 01-31-2005, 09:24 AM

Hi, I'm a new member to this board. I'm 47 and have had severe osteoporosis in my lumbar spine and hip -2.7 T score since I was 36 when I had my first dexa scan. I also have a milk and beef allergy allong with a hysterectomy when 26. I've had 3 lumbar back surgeries caused from a herniated disc along that has caused some nerve damage. Recently I had a MRI on my cervical spine that showed herniated disc at C5-6 & C6-7 which has put me in physical therapy. My therapist says my problem is mainly posture which I'm assuming he means osteoporosis. He is having me do strength exercises. I have no idea why I have herniated disc in my cervical spine. I suspect I have them in my thorasic spine since I have a great deal of pain and problems in that area also. I've had several fractures which is to be expected but I've also had alot of collapse disc. Is this common with osteoporosis? What should I expect down the road? I'm interested in hearing from those that have had these type of problems. I appreciate any answers or advice from my new friends. God Bless!

Aleta145 · 01-31-2005, 10:30 AM

Hi Dodie, I have a couple of questions for you. Is your DEXA score still -2.7? Did they say that your fractures were "fragility" fractures? In other words, did they result from low impact or trauma? Were they fractures of the vertebrae?

Dodie · 01-31-2005, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aleta145

Hi Dodie, I have a couple of questions for you. Is your DEXA score still -2.7? Did they say that your fractures were "fragility" fractures? In other words, did they result from low impact or trauma? Were they fractures of the vertebrae?

My dexa score use to be -2.9 in 1996. In 2004 it was -2.7 so not much improvement. However it didn't get worse although it feels worse. I broke my wrist and nose from trauma as a teen. In the last 4 years I've broken my foot from dropping a 3 lb clock on it, toes, tailbone, a rib and 2 compression fractures in the thorasic spine. Yes these were all from low impact. I was curious if the disc problems are from the osteoporosis since I have no idea how the cervical disc herniated.

Aleta145 · 01-31-2005, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dodie

My dexa score use to be -2.9 in 1996. In 2004 it was -2.7 so not much improvement. However it didn't get worse although it feels worse. I broke my wrist and nose from trauma as a teen. In the last 4 years I've broken my foot from dropping a 3 lb clock on it, toes, tailbone, a rib and 2 compression fractures in the thorasic spine. Yes these were all from low impact. I was curious if the disc problems are from the osteoporosis since I have no idea how the cervical disc herniated.

I'm sorry, I didn't read your original post very well. You did say they were compression fractures, didn't you?

The fact that you had improvement in your score is great news, I think. Are you taking medication for your osteoporosis?

Fragility fractures tend to occur with trabecular bone, which has a honeycomb structure. Your spine and hip bones are most likely to have them due to osteoporosis. Also wrists and ribs. Your other breaks may be unrelated. People with normal BMD do break bones if they fall (or drop something on their foot, or stub a toe) in just the right way.

Since your fractures were in the thoracic area (kind of the middle of your back) and your herniated disk is in the cervical area (upper back) I don't know if the two are related. This would be a good question for your doctor. Anyway, I think your therapist is onto something. Bad posture DOES weaken our backs, so that something as simple as a sneeze can throw it out of whack. (Yep, that happened to me. My chiropractor says it's very common.) I hope someone else will have a better answer for you.

Dodie · 01-31-2005, 05:54 PM

I've had 4 herniated disc. 2 in the lumbar and 2 in the cervical and I suspect I have more in the thorasic area but not sure of that. My T scores have only improved .2 in 12 years. My doctor said that wasn't near enough. I've been on fosamax, actonol and miacalcin which I couldn't tolerate very long due to stomach problems. Currently I'm using the Forteo injections. I was just wandering if anyone else has disc problems with osteoporosis? I will ask my doctor. Thanks for your help!