Epidemiology, natural course, and preventive measures of osteoporotic vertebral fractures: WFNS Spine Committee Recommendations.

The incidence of osteoporotic vertebral fractures increases with age and other factors. The natural course shows that most patients benefit from conservative therapy without any surgical intervention during the first three months. Preventive measures must include active lifestyle, adequate nutrition, prevention of immobilization with physical therapy, oral calcium, and vitamin D intake, and pharmacological therapy after fracture risk assessment.