Osteoporosis

Understanding Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become weak and may break from a fall or, in serious cases, from sneezing or minor bumps.

Causes of Osteoporosis

Your bones are in a constant state of renewal — new bone is made, and old bone is broken down. When you’re 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’s created.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

There typically are no symptoms in the early stages of bone loss. But once your bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, you might have signs and symptoms that include back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra, loss of height over time, a stooped posture, or a bone that breaks much more easily than expected.

Diagnosis of Osteoporosis

A bone density test determines if you have osteoporosis — a disease that causes bones to become more fragile and more likely to break. In the past, osteoporosis could be detected only after you broke a bone. By that time, however, your bones could be quite weak. A bone density test enhances the accuracy of calculating your risk of breaking bones.

Treatment Options for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis treatment may involve medications and lifestyle changes. Some people may also need treatment for complications of osteoporosis, such as fractures. In general, the goal of osteoporosis treatment is to prevent bone fractures by reducing bone loss or, ideally, increasing bone density.

Prevention of Osteoporosis

Preventing osteoporosis involves several simple practices. These include regular exercise, a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and ensuring that you’re getting adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D.

In conclusion, osteoporosis is a serious condition that can lead to debilitating fractures. Early detection and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of fractures. If you have risk factors for osteoporosis, talk to your doctor to see if a bone density test is right for you.