Osteoporosis of Lumbar Spine

[Mistydawn]

Hi,

I have had osteoporosis of the lumbar spine, detected in 2015 with L1-L4 values remaining fairly stable at -3.5 over this period of time. However, the latest DEXA has broken down the figures for L1 - L4 and my L4 shows a value of -4.2.

I have managed to stay drug free but am now being strongly recommended to take a Zolendronic acid infusion once a year for three years.

The alternative recommendation is raloxifene. I am very reluctant to take any drugs. My femoral bones are fine. It's just the L4, little used part of the spine, that is an issue.

My questions please:

1. should I have an echoS and trabecular scan carried out as I understand these are more reliable but also measure bone strength rather than bone density?

2. currently I am being advised by my rheumatologist who has some specialism in osteoporosis. Would seeing a bone specialist be more appropriate?

3. does anyone have any experience of osteoporosis of the L4 and how to strengthen this without drug therapy?

Thank you very much. Stay safe and well

[medway-lady]

I don't but looked after my mum who had Ostoporosis and it was awful. I'd grab any medication to hold it back as long as possible. I'm not allowed Alendronic Acid as have CKD and thats more frightening than taking it as its known to be beneficial. My mum had spinal surgery and I'd do anything to avoid the level of pain she endured with multiple fractures. I hope someone comes along with more help. x

[AgedCrone]

It’s not a good idea to refuse drugs when you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis In your spine .....it won’t correct itself....... there are no exercises that will heal it......but your physio may be able to suggest some muscle toning exercises that might have a beneficial affect.

I’m sure her advice should be listened to......seeing an orthopaedic surgeon would not offer any benefits over her opinion.

it’s something you really need to accept medical advice about.Only suitable drugs could possibly help to slow down the process.

I had a fall recently and fractured two thoracic vertebrae.... I had an MRI and a DEXA scan and no osteoporosis was detected ....but I do have facet joint damage in the Lumbar region. I have been prescribed a weekly Biophosphonate ...which I will take for 5 years.

Longer treatment with those drugs is not recommended ....plus AdcalD....calcium tablets with vitaminD.

So far I have had no bad reaction to either...but other drugs Including the infusions you mention, are available.

I’m quite happy to take my prescribed drugs ......as I could possibly develop osteoporosis in the future,& if you have ever known or seen anybody with osteoporosis of the spine, you will want to do everything you possibly can to avoid the condition that you have already been diagnosed with & have left untreated for 5 years.

So I really would advise you to speak to your doctors about accepting some sort of drug therapy......sooner rather than later.

[Mistydawn in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you! Sound advice. Take care