Osteoporosis – Symptoms and causes
Publisher/Author
: Pacific Cross
Nội dung bài viết / Table of Contents
This post is also available in: Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
Osteoporosis is the continuing thinning and loss of density in bones (bone mass), which makes bones more brittle, fragile, and likely to break after minor trauma. Loss of height and back pain are common.
Women are at special risk for osteoporosis after menstrual periods end (menopause). Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the hip, wrist or spine, but any bone can be affected. Some broken bones may not heal, especially when they occur at the hip.
Osteoporosis is a silent disease, and it may not be evident until a bone breaks. Many people think that osteoporosis is a natural and unavoidable part of aging. However, medical experts now believe that osteoporosis is largely preventable. Furthermore, people who already have osteoporosis can take steps to prevent or slow further progress of the disease and reduce their risk of future fractures.
Osteoporosis affects men and women of all races. But white and Asian women — especially older women who are past menopause — are at highest risk. You can limit your risk of having osteoporosis by reducing the risk factors. Please consult your doctor for more information.
No symptoms may be obvious early in the disease, but in time, low back and neck pain, stooped posture, and gradual loss of height may be seen. In other cases the first sign is a fracture (ribs, wrists, or hips). Bones (vertebrae) in the spine may collapse (become flattened or compressed) and break, which is the most common fracture. Hip fractures can cause the greatest disability.
There may be some symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about a symptom, please consult your doctor.
You may want to talk to your doctor about osteoporosis if you went through early menopause, took corticosteroids for several months at a time, or either of your parents had hip fractures. Everyone’s body acts differently. It is always best to discuss with your doctor what is best for your situation.
Normal bone formation needs the minerals calcium and phosphate. If the body does not get enough calcium from the diet, bone production and bone tissues may suffer.
The main causes of osteoporosis include aging, which leads to a drop in estrogen in women at menopause and a drop in testosterone (a male hormone) in men.
Your bones are in a constant state of renewal — new bone is made and old bone is broken down. When you are young, your body makes new bone faster than it breaks down old bone and your bone mass increases. Most people reach their peak bone mass by their early 20s. As people age, bone mass is lost faster than it is created.
How likely you are to develop osteoporosis depends partly on how much bone mass you attained in your youth. The higher your peak bone mass, the more bone you have “in the bank” and the less likely you are to develop osteoporosis as you age.
Risk factors include being underweight, lifestyle habits (being sedentary or inactive), alcohol use, cigarette smoking, eating disorders, taking certain drugs, some chronic diseases, and long-term bed rest or immobilization.
Many risk factors can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis. Some of these things you cannot change and others you can.
Risk factors you cannot change include:
Other risk factors you can change include:
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for more information.
Lifestyle changes may help reduce fracture risk. Such changes include doing regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and getting enough calcium (at least 1200 mg/day) and vitamin D (at least 800 IU/day) in the diet. Calcium supplements may increase calcium intake, with vitamin D used to help the body absorb calcium. Treatments focus on slowing down or stopping bone loss and on preventing bone fractures by minimizing the risk of falls.
Different drugs, including bisphosphonates such as alendronate, and adequate supplementation of calcium and vitamin D are used as well.
A comprehensive treatment program includes a focus on proper nutrition, exercise, and prevention of falls that may result in fractures. Your doctor may also prescribe one of several medications that have been shown to slow or stop bone loss or build new bone, increase bone density, and reduce fracture risk.
Nutrition: The foods we eat contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients that help keep our bodies healthy. All of these nutrients are needed in balanced proportion. In particular, calcium and vitamin D are needed for strong bones.
Exercise: Exercise is an important component of an osteoporosis prevention and treatment program. Exercise not only improves your bone health, but it increases muscle strength, coordination, and balance, and leads to better overall health. Although exercise is good for someone with osteoporosis, it should not put any sudden or excessive strain on your bones.
Therapeutic medications: Several medications are available for the prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis, including: bisphosphonates; estrogen agonists/antagonists, calcitonin; parathyroid hormone; estrogen therapy; hormone therapy.
A bone mineral density test is the best way to check your bone health. During this painless test, you lie on a padded table as a scanner passes over your body. In most cases, only a few bones are checked — usually in the hip, wrist and spine.
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help me manage osteoporosis?
The following lifestyles and home remedies might help you cope with Osteoporosis:
If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to better understand the best solution for you. Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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