Osteoporosis can make your bones fragile and more prone to fractures, including spinal fractures. Spine fractures, also called vertebral compression fractures, can cause severe back pain that affects standing, walking, sitting or lifting. The best way to prevent fractures is to keep your bones strong by treating or preventing osteoporosis. Many people experience back pain when they have a spinal fracture, but some people don't have any symptoms, making it difficult for doctors to diagnose it early. Over time, though, a spinal fracture may show some symptoms. Women, especially those over the age of 50, are more likely to develop spinal fractures. At age 80, about 40% of women will experience a spinal fracture. Age is also an important factor, as bones become thinner, more fragile, and more susceptible to osteoporosis as we age. People with osteoporosis have a higher chance of developing spinal fractures, both men and women. To determine if a spinal fracture has occurred, doctors do X-rays or CT scans. If the diagnosis is confirmed, they discuss the best course of treatment. Usually you'll be given pain medication to relieve pain while the fracture is healing, and your doctor will encourage you to move as soon as possible. Physical therapy may also be a good idea, with the therapist teaching you some exercises that will help with your recovery. Some people may need a brace or surgery to support the spine. After one fracture, you're at higher risk of breaking another bone in the future, so your doctor may recommend that you take medication for osteoporosis to strengthen your bones. Your doctor may also recommend a bone density test (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, DXA, or DEXA). This is the best way to diagnose osteoporosis. If you start taking medications to enhance bone density, you may have regular scans to monitor the effects of your treatment. The best way to prevent spinal fractures is to prevent osteoporosis. Even if you already have osteoporosis, you can take steps to prevent it from getting worse. Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and engage in regular exercise, especially weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises. Ask your doctor if you need a bone mineral density test to know how strong your bones are. It's never too early or too late to prevent bone loss.