Prevention of a vertebral compression fracture is focused on preventing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis results in weak bones that are more susceptible to fracture.

Prevention of osteoporosis and vertebral compression fracture includes:

• Stop smoking.
• Avoid exposure to secondary smoke.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Follow an exercise plan developed with your doctor.
• Walking is the best option
• Weight loss if you are overweight
• Take prescribed medications as directed.
• Take calcium supplements:
• As directed by your doctor
• Take a vitamin D supplement:
• Twice a week
• Detect osteoporosis early:
• See your doctor for an osteoporosis evaluation if you are over 60 years old.
• Bone mineral density testing

Those who should have bone mineral density testing include:

• All women more than 65 years old, regardless of risk factors.
• Post-menopausal women with at least one of the additional osteoporosis risk factors other than menopause.
• Post-menopausal women who have had a wrist fracture, spine fracture, or hip fracture.
• Those with primary hyperparathyroidism.
• Those with abnormalities of the spine:
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Kyphosis: spine is curved forward
• Scoliosis: spine curves from one side to the other side
• Those who take daily corticosteroids.