My mom is 71 and has lost 2-1/2 inches in height and now has discomfort when sitting down

[puffster]

My mom is 71 years old and has lost 2-1/2 inches in height. For about the past year she experiences discomfort in her right side when sitting down. She's been to her doctor and had x-rays and ultrasounds, both of which have come back negative. Her doctor seems to think that because she has shrunk by 2-1/2 inches, the problem is that her bones are compressing, and when she is sitting her ribs are bowing out and causing the discomfort due to the compression. He says nothing can be done to alleviate the discomfort. Does this sound plausible -- especially not being able to provide relief?

[Met00]

If there's no sign of a fracture or bulging discs, I would suggest your Mum asks for physiotherapy to address this. It may be that working on posture and muscle strength can help to alleviate it.

[Mark_ABH]

It does sound like vertebral compression fractures -- particularly the pain and loss of height. Sometimes X-rays won't find the fracture; an MRI is the gold standard if she is able to get one. The issue might be that if the fractures are more than 3-4 months old, they have already healed. In that case, it might be too late to do a surgical intervention. I think it's worth getting a second opinion from an interventional radiologist or spine specialist.

[HeronNS]

Physiotherapy should help as she will be given exercises specifically targeted to strengthen the muscles which support the spine. I have shrunk about the same amount and am just a bit older than your mother. I do not have osteoporosis and don't show signs of fracture. But I do have a lot of issues with pain referred from the spine where nerves are compressed and I can tell you that physio has halped a great deal. Make sure whoever she sees is experienced with dealing with older people who may have fragile bones, however. Slow, steady and careful is the way to go.