What should be done for lumbar spine fractures in the elderly?

In general, lumbar vertebral fractures in the elderly may be caused by factors such as decreased muscle strength, impaired balance, osteoporosis, lumbar disc herniation, or lumbar tuberculosis. When the above conditions occur, it is recommended to seek treatment at a正规 hospital and follow a doctor's guidance regarding conservative management, medication, and other therapeutic approaches. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Decreased Muscle Strength

With aging, muscle mass decreases and muscle strength weakens, reducing the protective support for the lumbar spine and potentially leading to lumbar vertebral fractures in the elderly. Regular strengthening exercises for the back and腰部 muscles, such as bridge exercises and "flying swan" movements, are recommended.

2. Impaired Balance

Elderly individuals often experience reduced balance, making them more prone to falls when encountering obstacles. If a fall results in landing on the buttocks or direct impact to the lower back, the force transmitted to the lumbar vertebrae may cause fractures. It is important in daily life to ensure adequate lighting and minimize environmental obstacles.

3. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis may result from aging, genetic factors, and others. As people age, calcium loss in bones accelerates, bone density declines, and the trabecular bone structure becomes sparser, increasing bone fragility and raising the risk of lumbar vertebral fractures. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as stooping or fracture after minor falls. Under medical supervision, patients may take medications such as alendronate sodium tablets, calcium carbonate D3 tablets, or calcitriol soft capsules.

4. Lumbar Disc Herniation

Disc degeneration in the lumbar spine, rupture of the annulus fibrosus, and protrusion of the nucleus pulposus can lead to lumbar disc herniation. This may compress surrounding nerves and tissues, causing low back pain and muscle spasms. Prolonged muscle tension may increase the risk of lumbar fractures. Symptoms often include lower back pain and radiating leg pain. Under a doctor’s advice, medications such as Yaotongning capsules, Shujin Jianyao pills, or mecobalamin tablets may be used.

5. Lumbar Tuberculosis

Reduced immunity or unhealthy lifestyle habits may lead to lumbar tuberculosis, in which Mycobacterium tuberculosis infects the lumbar vertebrae, causing bone destruction and resulting in the aforementioned symptoms. This condition may be accompanied by nausea, dizziness, and other systemic symptoms. Patients must follow medical instructions and use anti-tuberculosis drugs such as isoniazid tablets, rifampicin capsules, and pyrazinamide tablets.

Elderly individuals should prioritize bone health, maintain a balanced diet, moderately supplement calcium and vitamin D, improve body coordination and balance, and take precautions to prevent falls and other accidents, thereby reducing the risk of lumbar fractures and other skeletal disorders.