I was diagnosed early this year (aged 62) with one vertebral fracture at T8 but a DEXA scan showed only osteopenia. I have been on risendronate  and calcium and Vit D. The acute pain from one year ago has gone, but as soon as I do normal things like ironing or cooking,for more than a few minutes, I get  what I can only describe as soreness in my upper back and twinging sharp pains. it goes off with rest, but is not really improving. There is a really sore place, though a scan shows nothing else amiss.

Ann

Thanks for your post,  

Vertebral compression fractures such as yours are a common consequence of osteoporosis and can also sometimes occur in people who have been diagnosed with osteopenia.  Please see our leaflet entitled scans and tests for more information about what these terms mean. 

Although these vertebral compression fractures heal (osteoporosis does not effect this process), they do so in a squashed shape. These new shaped bones can cause a more chronic long term back problem due to irritation to muscles and nerves and can lead to the symptoms you describe.  

There is no one pain relieving method which works for everyone with this problem. It is a matter of finding the right approach for you. A physiotherapist may be able to advise you as to appropriate exercise which may help with your pain and your doctor may be able to prescribe pain relievers. The charity’s booklet ‘All About Osteoporosis’ has a very useful chapter on pain which may contain strategies that you have not tried. It can be downloaded free of charge by clicking on this link and completing the form. (If you have already registered with the charities website the link will take you straight to the book).  As the area of pain relief is quite a complex one you may also like to phone our helpline where we would be more than happy to discuss your pain problems in more depth (Tel. 0845 450 0230 Mon – Fri 9-5)  

The risedronate (Actonel) and calcium and vitamin D that you are using will reduce the risk of such fractures occurring again. 

I hope this information will be useful 

Best wishes


Best wishes

Helpline Nurses
National Osteoporosis Society