How to manage osteoporosis neck pain

As we age, it’s normal for our bones to lose a bit of strength. But too much weakness can also be a sign of medical conditions, like osteoporosis, which means “porous bones.” Osteoporosis is a condition that causes your bones to become weak and brittle. 

It affects around 500 million people around the world, with 21.2% of women over 50 and 6.3% of men over 50 being diagnosed with the condition. It’s more common in women due to the hormonal changes they go through as they get older.

While early-stage symptoms include weak grip and receding gum lines, symptoms like neck pain become more prevalent in the later stage of osteoporosis. Other later-stage symptoms include: 

• Fractures due to a fall.
• Stooped posture.
• Height loss.
• Back pain.

What are the causes of osteoporosis?

There aren’t many exact causes that can lead to osteoporosis besides natural aging, but people with low bone mass from their youth are more likely to be diagnosed with the condition. 

While there aren’t any direct causes, there are a few risk factors for osteoporosis that can be taken into account: 

• Low hormones.
• Ovary removal or going through menopause before 45.
• Smoking cigarettes.
• Family history.
• Thyroid issues.
• Low calcium intake.

How osteoporosis could cause neck pain

Osteoporosis can result in compression fractures on the spine. The pain radiates out from the spinal cord due to the pinched nerves caused by the collapsed vertebrae. The pain can range from mild to debilitating.

The compressed vertebrae can also cause stooped posture, which could create neck pain as well. It can result in a slight curve on your upper back, causing a stooped back, called kyphosis.

Managing pain from osteoporosis in the neck

There isn’t a cure for osteoporosis, but there are small changes and habits you can incorporate into your daily routine. 

It’s important to learn about the best ways to handle your osteoporosis diagnosis because you want to still be able to handle your day-to-day tasks without pain interfering with your body’s capabilities. 

There are a few options that can help you manage your osteoporosis and reduce the possibility of worsening your symptoms, like neck pain.

• Hot and cold packs — Alternating between ice packs and hot compresses is always an easy and effective option for relieving neck pain that may flare up from your osteoporosis. While the cold numbs the area, the heat can relieve some of the stiffness you may have in your neck.
• Over-the-counter pain relief — Much like the hot and cold packs, taking an anti-inflammatory medicine like acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin is a tried-and-true way to reduce neck pain. 
• Exercise — Working out is essential for both preventing osteoporosis and alleviating pain after diagnosis. Weight-bearing exercises can help strengthen bones to prevent injury. It can also release endorphins, which are hormones released during exercise that helps pain management. Booking an appointment at one of our physical therapy clinics can help you learn about the exercises best for you.
• Massage — Getting a massage isn’t just used for relaxation. Your doctor may recommend that you receive a massage from a qualified massage therapist to alleviate some of the pain you may be experiencing in your neck from osteoporosis. Plus, massages have been known to release endorphins, just like exercise. 
• Weighted vests — A weighted vest is a tool that has been often recommended by physical therapists for people diagnosed with osteoporosis. Wearing a weighted vest can decrease the risk of further bone loss. This can help prevent pain from worsening in the future due to a decreased likelihood of more fractures. They can also improve balance, which can prevent falls and fractures.
• Medications — There are a few medications that your doctor may prescribe to you for long-term treatment of osteoporosis, but the most common is bisphosphonates. These are a group of medications that slow down bone loss and decrease the risk of fractures. 
• Kyphoplasty — There is also a surgery for fractures, called kyphoplasty. It involves inflating a small balloon between the compressed vertebrae to recover height and spine function. The balloon is then replaced with cement. If you do need to have surgery, physical therapists can help you prepare your body before surgery. They can also help you recover after your surgery. 

Alliance PTP is ready to help you find top-notch PT for osteoporosis neck pain

At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we’re proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. 

Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that’s close to you and that can help you address osteoporosis-related neck pain. 

Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform. 

Come find help for your injury or chronic condition today!