Prevent Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis - thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time, leading to weak bones and joints, causing brittle and easy-to-break bones.

• Osteoporosis Causes
• Osteoporosis Symptoms
• Osteoporosis Tests
• Osteoporosis Treatment
• Prevent Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis Causes

Osteoporosis is caused by failure of the body to form enough new bone. Calcium and phosphate are two minerals that are essential for normal bone formation. If you do not get enough calcium, or if your body does not absorb enough calcium from the diet, bone production and bone tissues may suffer. As you age, calcium and phosphate may be reabsorbed back into the body from the bones, which makes the bone tissue weaker. This can result in brittle, fragile bones that are more prone to fractures, even without injury.

The leading causes of osteoporosis are a drop in estrogen in women at the time of menopause and a drop in testosterone in men, bed confinement or inactive lifestyle, chronic rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease or eating disorders. Other factors increasing osteoporosis risk are alcohol abuse, smoking, family history of the disease, low body weight or bad diet that does not provide enough calcium of Vitamin D.

Osteoporosis Symptoms

Osteoporosis symptoms tend to show up when osteoporosis has already progressed to some degree. Some later-stage symptoms are

• Bone pain
• Bone tenderness
• Easily fracturing bones
• Gradual height loss
• Low back and neck pain
• Stooped posture (kyphosis)

Osteoporosis Tests

Densitometry (DEXA scan) can show bone mineral density and when monitored over time, bone density loss can be observed.

Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) - a special type of spine CT scan that can show loss of bone mineral density, is sometimes used for diagnosis of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis Treatment

Osteoporosis treatment goals:

• Pain control and reduction
• Slower bone loss
• Strengthen bones and prevent broken bones
• Minimize injury risk

These bone-strengthening medications are used when bone density has been diagnosed as low or decreasing:

• Bisphosphonates - drugs used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
• Calcitonin - nasal spray or injection that slows the rate of bone loss and relieves bone pain
• Estrogens or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - rarely used anymore to prevent osteoporosis
• Teriparatide (Forteo) - approved for the treatment of postmenopausal women who have severe osteoporosis and are considered at high risk for fractures
• Raloxifene (Evista) - can reduce risk of spinal fractures by almost 50%, but does not appear to prevent other fractures

Exercise can strengthen bones reduce the likelihood of bone breaks in osteoporosis patients. The following exercises are typically recommended

• Weight-bearing exercises like walking or light jogging
• Resistance exercises - free weights, weight machines and stretching
• Balance exercises like tai chi, yoga or pilates
• Stationary bike or rowing machines

Avoid exercise that increases risk of falling or broken bones.

Osteoporosis patiens are advised to get at least 1,200 milligrams of calcium, and 800 - 1,000 iu of vitamin D and lots of protein each day. Vitamin D helps in calcium absorbtion. Such a diet will ensure that the body has enough right nutrients to maintain bones. Recommended foods include cheese, spinach, low-fat milk, salmon, whole sardines and yogurt.

Osteoporosis patients are also advised to adjust lifestyle to stop smoking, limit alcohol intake, and use general common sense to prevent bone injury and falls.

Prevent Osteoporosis

Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Don't smoke or drink excessively, maintain a diet that ensures you get enough calcium from an early age, and exercise regularly. This should give you healthy bones that will take you far wherever you go in life.