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How Can Cracked Vertebrae Be Treated While On Prednisone?
Question: My 88-year-old father has deterioration of his lumbar vertebrae. He took prednisone for years, for his sinus problems, and now his spine is weakening. He had a crack in one of his vertebrae a few years ago, that gave him a lot of pain, but seems to have healed. But now he has another crack, and he's taking strong pain medicine, which constipates him, so he's having to deal with that issue as well, and when his bowels are full, they press on his spine, which makes more pain! Is there a prescription drug that encourages bone to heal? Is there an osteologist online?
Brief Answer:
Osteoporosis
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns but long-term use of corticosteroids lead to bone osteoporosis with decreased levels of bone calcium and phosphorus levels.
I would recommend that he gets a test of bone scanning in order to detect the degree of osteoporosis present. if that is not possible then I would recommend that he takes calcium, vitamin d, and oral biphosphate supplements in order to help the healing process and prevent further injuries in the future.
Another thing to fasten the healing is to take daily low dose aspirin tablets under the supervision of his doctor to ensure he has no contraindications to aspirin intake.. aspirin tends to increase the blood flow to bones which shall fasten the healing.
Also, he should pay a particular attention to the protein content of his diet as amino acids are an essential element in the healing of bones. If difficult, the healing process will be comprised.
As for constipation then he should increase the water and fiber content of his diet including XXXXXXX green vegetables, fruits especially oranges and whole wheat products.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Salah Saad Shoman, Internal Medicine Specialist
Osteoporosis
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns but long-term use of corticosteroids lead to bone osteoporosis with decreased levels of bone calcium and phosphorus levels.
I would recommend that he gets a test of bone scanning in order to detect the degree of osteoporosis present. if that is not possible then I would recommend that he takes calcium, vitamin d, and oral biphosphate supplements in order to help the healing process and prevent further injuries in the future.
Another thing to fasten the healing is to take daily low dose aspirin tablets under the supervision of his doctor to ensure he has no contraindications to aspirin intake.. aspirin tends to increase the blood flow to bones which shall fasten the healing.
Also, he should pay a particular attention to the protein content of his diet as amino acids are an essential element in the healing of bones. If difficult, the healing process will be comprised.
As for constipation then he should increase the water and fiber content of his diet including XXXXXXX green vegetables, fruits especially oranges and whole wheat products.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Salah Saad Shoman, Internal Medicine Specialist
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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