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Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become brittle and fragile. It compromises bone strength, leading to increased fracture risk, but understanding the condition’s basics may help you take proactive steps to protect your bone health. Here are some frequently asked questions about this condition.
How Does It Affect the Body?
Osteoporosis results from an imbalance in the process of bone loss and regrowth as the bone mass in the body begins to decline, weakening your skeleton over time. This could make you prone to fractures from simple activities. Some bones affected include the spine, hips, and wrists. Preventive measures aim to maintain and strengthen your bone density throughout adulthood.
What Are the Risk Factors?
The risk factors include aging, being female, low body weight, excessive alcohol consumption, and calcium and vitamin D deficiencies. Because of estrogen’s role in maintaining bone strength, women face heightened risk after menopause. A parental history of fragile bones may also predispose you, as does tobacco and alcohol use.
What Are the Early Symptoms?
Recognizing some warning signs helps you identify if you need medical evaluation. As bone density decreases, the vertebrae in your back may struggle to support the spine, resulting in a curved upper back and loss of height over time. Mild back pain may occur due to deteriorating vertebrae. Bones in the back become more fragile, sustaining fractures from minor pressures or falls. It is a good idea to seek medical guidance if you notice height loss.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Doctors can use bone density scans along with a fracture risk assessment to make an official diagnosis. The scan uses a low-dose X-ray to measure your bone mineral density. Results are compared to those of healthy young adults to assess whether your bone mass is low. Doctors also evaluate age, weight, family history, disabilities, smoking status, and any previous fractures. This helps calculate your chances of having an osteoporosis-related fracture.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
Some medications may enhance bone density and help to minimize fractures. Your doctor should recommend medications that match your medical needs, health history, and risk factors. Bisphosphonates may slow bone resorption processes, preserving your bone strength, while denosumab can help regulate bone metabolism to retain density. Teriparatide is a bone-building therapy that can be prescribed for severe cases. In some cases, treatments may require regular injections or IV infusions.
Can It Be Prevented?
Enhancing bone health by supplying nutrients like calcium for bone development can diminish the more severe side effects of osteoporosis. Calcium builds bone mass, so aim for daily intake through dietary sources like dairy, leafy greens, almonds, and tofu. Vitamin D aids calcium absorption and is found in fortified foods, egg yolks, and fish. A healthy amount of sun exposure also triggers vitamin D production. Strength training, weight-bearing exercises, and balance activities may also strengthen bones and prevent falls.
Start Your Osteoporosis Journey
If you have a family history of osteoporosis or think you might have it, you can partner with treatment experts to get answers on how to manage this condition. Doctors should give you details about protective nutrients, supplements, and treatments that prevent fractures. Access diagnostic bone density scans, vitamin D testing, and fracture risk assessments. Talk to a specialist today to start your journey to protect your bone health.
