Common Treatments for Osteoporosis

A noted spine surgeon at the Citrus Spine Institute in Crystal River, Florida, Constantine Toumbis. MD, specializes in cervical, thoracic, and lumbar surgeries. In addition, Dr. Constantine Toumbis and his colleagues treat spine related conditions including osteoporosis.

Bones naturally undergo a cycle of breaking down and building up. As one ages, bones may have trouble keeping up with this process, resulting in lower bone density and a weakened bone structure. The loss of bone density results in osteoporosis. The condition is most common in women who have completed menopause, but men over 70 are also susceptible.

Treatment options for osteoporosis vary based on a patient’s risk in breaking a bone within the next ten years. Patients at low risk may be able to slow the disease’s progression with medications and lifestyle changes. High risk patients require a more aggressive response. 

Common lifestyle changes to prevent the advancement of osteoporosis include smoking cessation, decreasing the amount of alcohol a patient consumes, and a healthy lifestyle that includes good nutrition and regular weight bearing exercise. Experts also recommend taking steps to reduce falls such as wearing good, sturdy shoes and removing tripping hazards from a patient’s home. 

The most common medications prescribed for osteoporosis are bisphosphonates such as ibandronate and alendronate. These are oral medications that are taken daily. Unfortunately, they can prove to be harsh on a patient’s digestive system, causing discomfort and stomach upset. When a patient can’t tolerate a bisphosphonate or in advanced cases of osteoporosis, a doctor may recommend injectable medications such as denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva), teriparatide (Forteo), or abaloparatide (Tymlos). Each has the potential to rebuild bone.

In some cases, hormone replacement therapy may be recommended to patients with osteoporosis. No matter the treatment plan, a patient suffering from osteoporosis should remain under the care of a qualified physician who can monitor the disease’s progression and the patient’s response.

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