Metabolic spine

Metabolic spine

Metabolic spine disorders are conditions that affect the spinal column due to abnormalities in the body’s metabolism, particularly involving calcium, phosphate, vitamin D, or hormones that regulate bone health. These imbalances weaken the vertebrae, making them prone to deformities, fractures, and chronic pain. Common metabolic spine conditions include osteoporosis, osteomalacia, rickets, hyperparathyroidism, Paget’s disease, and renal osteodystrophy. Patients often present with back pain, loss of height, stooped posture, or spinal deformities such as kyphosis. Diagnosis is made through imaging, bone density scans, and laboratory tests. Treatment typically involves correcting metabolic abnormalities with calcium and vitamin D supplementation, medications to strengthen bone, lifestyle modification, and in severe cases, surgical stabilization.