Osteoporosis treatment for spine fractures and weak bones in Denver

What does the Bone Health & Spine Fracture Clinic do?

If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia, you’re at risk for spine fractures or lumbar compression fractures. In fact, just a 10% loss of bone density doubles your risk of experiencing a spine fracture.

If you are facing any type of spine surgery, such as spine fusion, osteoporosis or osteopenia increase the risk of failed surgery or difficult and lengthy recovery.

But this doesn’t have to be the case.

Our Bone Health Clinic & Spine Fracture can help you regain and optimize bone strength to:

• Prepare your bones for spine surgery to correct fractured vertebrae
• Prevent future spine fractures, lumbar fractures, lumbar compression fractures
• Aid in recovery following a spinal fracture or spine surgery

In our clinic, we:

• Evaluate patients for osteopenia and osteoporosis
• Measure bone density using DEXA technology and lab testing
• Prescribe medication to restore bone health
• Provide education on nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle modification to prevent further bone loss

Working with a spine fracture specialist six weeks to three months prior to spine fusion or kyphoplasty helps ensure a successful procedure with better outcomes, including less back pain. After surgery, an evaluation helps improve recovery, improve your overall health, and decreases the likelihood of future fractures as you return to normal activity.

Who will patients see at the spine fracture clinic?

Patients at Neurosurgery One’s Bone Health & Spine Fracture clinic will work with board-certified nurse practitioners, who will conduct an assessment and develop a customized osteoporosis treatment plan for you.

Our board-certified nurse practitioners hold master’s degrees and have extensive experience working with patients to improve their bone health.

Why should I see a nurse practitioner in Denver for osteoporosis treatment?

At Neurosurgery One, our experienced nurse practitioners are able to spend extra time with you to understand your symptoms, walk you through your osteoporosis treatment options, and educate you every step of the way. They are easily accessible to answer questions and work closely with the Neurosurgery One’s Denver neurosurgeons and  Denver spine surgeons.

In addition, you can be seen in the Denver area by our nurse practitioners within three days, rather than waiting weeks or months. This allows you to get on the fast track for osteoporosis treatment and improving your bone health.

What are the most common types of spine surgery for spine fractures?

Spine fusion surgery is the most common type of spine surgery recommended for osteoporosis-related spine fractures. Kyphoplasty is becoming a common choice for spinal compression fractures.

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgery that can effectively treat spinal compression fractures by injecting a small amount of cement into the vertebrae. Kyphoplasty involves inserting a small balloon into the spine first. This creates space for the injection of cement as well as heighten the compression. It is typically performed as an outpatient procedure by our team of Denver spine surgeons and physiatrists at Neurosurgery One.

Can I do anything to improve my bone strength before spine surgery?

Many people mistakenly believe that bones that are weakened by osteoporosis can never regain strength. However, that is not the case. Osteoporosis treatment before and after spinal fractures and spine surgery can make a significant difference in your overall future health.

Making lifestyle changes such as incorporating weightbearing exercise into your exercise routine, eliminating smoking, and ensuring you have adequate amounts of calcium and Vitamin D in your diet (or through supplements) can all help improve your bone health.

Anabolic or bone building medications like Teriparatide and abaloparatide also may be recommended. These medications have been shown to increase bone mass and reduce the incidence of fractures. These medications are injectables. If recommended, our team at Neurosurgery One’s Bone Health & Spine Fracture Clinic work with you to monitor your first use of the injectable medication to give you peace of mind, confidence, and ensure there are no side effects.

Can I improve my bone health after spine surgery?

While improving your bone health prior to surgery is ideal, particularly when it comes to osteoporosis treatment, you can work on strengthening your bones—and improving your outcome from spine surgery—after the procedure as well.

Neurosurgery One’s Bone Health & Spine Fracture Clinic experienced nurse practitioner and physician assistant will work with you to create a lifestyle and medication plan that helps you strengthen your bones and reduce your risk of future spinal fractures.

Can people without a spine fracture or needing spine surgery be seen at the Bone Health & Spine Fracture Clinic?

If you have had a DEXA scan that indicates you are at risk of developing osteoporosis — or already have it– you can be seen at the Neurosurgery One Spine Fracture & Bone Health Clinic in Littleton and Lakewood, Colo., for osteoporosis treatment. We can help you take proactive measures to reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis and suffering a fracture. This might include making lifestyle changes, taking medications to strengthen your bones, incorporating supplements for calcium and vitamin D into your diet, and monitoring your bone density through regular screenings. Our goal is not to treat spine fractures—our goal is to prevent fractures.