Managing Pain from Osteoporotic Fractures: What Works?
Managing Pain from Osteoporotic Fractures: What Works?
What's This About?
Pain from osteoporotic fractures can be debilitating. Discover effective therapies to manage and alleviate this pain.
Contents
- Initial Pain Management
- When Pain Persists
- Chronic Pain Solutions
Initial Pain Management
For mild to moderate pain, over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are often sufficient. Intranasal calcitonin can be added for pain relief, although it may take a few weeks to be effective.
When Pain Persists
If pain remains severe, opioids may be necessary, but they come with side effects such as constipation and sedation. For those who can't manage on oral medications, vertebral augmentation might be considered.
Chronic Pain Solutions
For pain persisting beyond a few months, assessment for nonhealing fractures is crucial. Options include continued medication or vertebral augmentation, but the latter may not always improve chronic pain.
FAQs
How is mild pain managed?
With acetaminophen or ibuprofen, possibly combined with calcitonin.
What about severe pain?
Opioids may be used, or vertebral augmentation if needed.
Are there options for chronic pain?
Yes, including reassessment and possibly vertebral augmentation.
Pain Management Strategies
Various therapies can manage osteoporotic fracture pain, but each comes with its own considerations.
Additional References
- Gennari C. Bone 2002; 30:67S.
- Lyritis GP, Paspati I, Karachalios T, et al. Acta Orthop Scand Suppl 1997; 275:112.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.