Final answer:
Bisphosphonates are the preferred treatment for osteoporosis in patients with pain from vertebral fractures, helping to slow bone loss and reduce the risk of future fractures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The preferred treatment for osteoporosis in patients with pain from vertebral fractures is bisphosphonates. These medications slow down the breakdown of bone, allowing the bone rebuilding process to keep pace, thus maintaining bone density and decreasing the risk of fractures. Bisphosphonates are often prescribed for individuals who have already experienced fractures to significantly reduce their risk of future fractures. However, patients are generally not recommended to stay on bisphosphonates for more than three or four years due to a lack of evidence for continued benefit and the potential for adverse side effects after this time.