Medical treatments for vertebral degeneration and osteoporosis

Medical approaches for treating vertebral degeneration and osteoporosis in the elderly are evolving to provide more personalized care and reduce complications.

For vertebral degeneration, treatment options include Western medicine, traditional medicine, and physical therapy. Western medicine focuses on symptom control through analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants, alongside physical therapies such as heat therapy, ultrasound, and spinal stretching. Surgery is typically reserved for severe cases involving complications like bone spurs or disc herniation that compress nerves or the spinal cord.

In the management of osteoporosis, particularly for elderly patients with underlying conditions like cardiovascular or renal disease, biological therapy using Denosumab has emerged as a significant option. Traditional treatments, such as oral or intravenous bisphosphonates, may pose risks of complications or lack efficacy in certain patients. Clinical studies indicate that Denosumab can reduce the risk of spinal fractures by up to 70% and significantly lower the risk of hip and wrist fractures with fewer recorded complications.