Osteoporosis is such a type of a medical disorder where bones become weakened and breakable. This situation creates the possibility of fractures. But there is a serious issue associated with this disease as it is a silent destroyer. This medical condition actually progresses slowly and steadily without any clear symptoms. So, due to the unclear symptoms, it takes time to diagnose a fracture. It becomes very important to understand what osteoporosis actually is, what are its causes and symptoms. After complete understanding you can go for better treatment options. This complete and comprehensive article is all about. Just stay with us and know osteoporosis in a detailed way.
Causes of Osteoporosis
For better diagnosis and effective treatment it is really important to know about the root causes. Some of the major contributing factors in case of osteoporosis are as follows.
Age
Age is one of the major factors that lead a person towards osteoporosis. With the passage of time the density of the bones decreases naturally. There is an important thing that you have to keep in mind is that around the age of 30 the density of the bones reaches to its maximum strength which is called peak bone mass. This peak bone mass basically determines the osteoporosis in the later part of your life.
Gender
Medical research has shown that the chances of osteoporosis are higher in women as compared to men, especially during menopause. It is because due to the decrease in the estrogen level during menopause chances of osteoporosis also increases. Now you must be thinking at the moment what estrogen actually is. Estrogen is a hormone which is very important in order to protect your bones. The lower amount of estrogen speeds up the process of bone loss.
Genetics
Research has shown that genetics is one of the major contributing factors in case of osteoporosis. For example if your parent or grandparent had that condition then there are a lot of chances to develop in you.
Imbalance of Hormones
As we said earlier, estrogen is very important for making your bones strong. But there are also other hormones whose imbalance can create a lot of difficulties, especially bone loss. Due to the imbalance of some important hormones like testosterone and thyroid the disorder which we are talking about osteoporosis can arise.
Dietary Factors
Diet really matters for making your bones strong. It is very important to consume foods that contain calcium and vitamin d in rich form. Medical studies have shown that those people who excessively consume caffeine, alcohol and salt are participating towards osteoporosis.
Unhealthy Lifestyle
It also matters how your lifestyle is. If you are living an unhealthy lifestyle then it can create a lot of difficulties not only in case of osteoporosis but also your overall health. If you are not doing physical activities then your bones can become weakened as the time passes. In this scenario weight bearing exercises are very important for your bone health.
Medicines and Medical Conditions
Both medicines and the medical conditions can be the reason for osteoporosis. Some medicines like corticosteroids are considered to increase the risk of osteoporosis. Similarly some medical conditions like celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis can also play their part to weaken the bones.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
As we have discussed in our introductory paragraph that osteoporosis is a silent killer. It is because mostly symptoms appear at that time when the fracture occurs. However still there are some signs that can tell you about the presence of osteoporosis. Let’s find out.
Fractures
Fractures are one of the most common symptoms that tell the whole story in case of osteoporosis. It is observed that fractures usually happen in the wrist, hip and spine area. Those people who have osteoporosis, even small injuries or tiny falls can become the reason for fractures.
Back Pain
Back pain is another symptom that shows the possibility of osteoporosis. A person feels back pain which is mainly caused by fractured vertebrae. In some of the cases this back pain can be severe and consistent.
Loss of Height
Due to the weekend bone structure the bones in the spine can become collapsed or compressed. This results in loss of height as well. Remember this height loss starts gradually and remains unnoticeable until some damage is done.
Stooped or Declining Posture
Stooped or declining posture is another symptom in case of osteoporosis. It means the curve in the spine. In most of the cases it happens due to the weak bones of the spines.
Bone Pain
A person feels pain in their bones. Although it is not a common symptom it can be observed in case of osteoporosis.
Diagnosis of Osteoporosis
Due to the complication it is very important to diagnose osteoporosis at its early stage. There are some important methods that are helpful to diagnose this silent killer disease. Let’s have a look.
Bone Density Test
Bone density test that is also known as DEXA scan is considered a more reliable method in order to measure bone mineral density. The bone mineral density is then compared to the average bone mineral density of young and healthy adults. After the measurement a T score is calculated.- 2.5 or lower score indicates the presence of osteoporosis.
X rays
Although it is less compatible as compared to bone density tests, it can be helpful in finding fractures or those spinal changes which are associated with osteoporosis.
Laboratory Tests
Laboratory tests are performed in order to make sure that no other conditions harm your bones. These laboratory tests may include blood and urine tests. Some other contributing factors such as deficiencies of calcium and vitamin D’ and imbalance of the hormones must be checked out and they can be seen through laboratory tests.
Treatment of Osteoporosis
What is the purpose of osteoporosis treatment? Definitely the main focus here is to make bones strong, prevent fractures and reduce pain. You can apply different approaches in order to go for a treatment of osteoporosis. Some of the important treatment options are as follows.
Lifestyle Changes
With a change in lifestyle you can improve the symptoms of osteoporosis to a greater extent. Here in the following we are going to talk about some of the important Lifestyle changes that you have to make for making bones strong. Let’s have a look.
Diet
Diet is the most important element not only in case of osteoporosis but for your complete health. Try to consume foods which contain vitamin D and calcium in an abundant form. There are a lot of foods that can be consumed like leafy green and dairy products. You can also get calcium and vitamin D from fortified foods also. Healthcare providers also suggest that you can take supplements as well.
Exercise
Exercise is the most discussed topic when we talk about health. In order to make bones strong, regular physical exercises are very important, especially those of weight bearing. Besides that, muscle strengthening exercises also play their part in improving bone density. In this scenario some activities like walking and jogging are really helpful.
Avoid Risk Factor
There are some factors which cause a huge disaster to create Osteoporosis. So it is important to reduce or avoid these risk factors. For example if you are fond of drinking alcohol then reduce or stop it right now. Similarly smoking, caffeine and salt are also some of the risk factors that can contribute towards osteoporosis.
Prevent from Falling
It is very important to make your home safer from falling. Try to arrange necessary measures like your house has enough lighting. You can also use some supportive devices in order to make sure that the chances of falling and fractures are minimized.
Medicines
You can also take certain medicines in order to treat osteoporosis. Some of the important and helpful medications are as follows.
Bisphosphonates
Bisphosphonates are helpful medicine that actually slows down bone loss by increasing its density. These types of drugs contain alendronate, risedronate and zoledronic acid that are helpful in bone health.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy is another option in order to treat osteoporosis. Estrogen replacement therapy is considered more effective in case of postmenopause in women. But remember hormone replacement therapy also contains its side effects as well. So it can be used with the professional guidance of the healthcare provider.
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators
Selective estrogen receptor modulators also known as SERMs are considered beneficial for bone health. Medicines like raloxifene copy the positive effects of estrogen on the density of the bone.
Calcitonin
Calcitonin is actually a hormone whose function is to regulate the level of calcium in the body. So due to its characteristics it is very helpful in order to treat osteoporosis.
Parathyroid Hormone Analogues
The primary function of this type of medicine is to stimulate bone formation. That’s why they are used in order to treat different cases of osteoporosis.
Denosumab
Denosumab is a medicine which is injectable. The major benefit of this medicine is that it slows down the process of bone loss. Denosumab stops a special protein which is involved in bone loss.
Surgery
The final step towards better treatment is surgery. Remember surgery is taken at that time when all the methods that we have talked about earlier fail. So here in case of osteoporosis surgical treatment becomes compulsory when fracture occurs. Some of the important surgical steps in this case are as follows.
Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty
Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty are those surgeries that are less uncomfortable as compared to others. In this treatment method the bone cement is injected into the destroyed spines in order to strengthen the vertebral column.
Hip Replacement
Hip replacement surgery is conducted in that case when hip fractures. This method actually recovers mobility and function of the hip.
Prevention of Osteoporosis
It is a famous proverb that prevention is better than cure. So it becomes important to take precautionary measures in order to prevent osteoporosis, especially at an early age. Here in the following we are going to talk about some of the effective preventive options that every person can apply to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Let’s have a look.
Balanced Nutrition
In order to make the bone strong and healthy it is important to eat those foods that have balance and enough nutrition to meet the requirements. Eat such a diet that has enough nutrition containing calcium and vitamin D. Those people who are unable to get enough nutrition from foods, supplements become essential.
Regular Exercise
As we have said earlier that regular exercise especially weight bearing and muscle strengthening are very helpful to boost your bone health.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Healthy lifestyle is very important in order to prevent any kind of disease, especially osteoporosis. It is better to prevent tobacco use, especially smoking. Besides that, excessive alcohol consumption is also very dangerous for your bone health. So quickly stop consuming these items if you are already practicing. Managing healthy weight is also useful in order to prevent you from osteoporosis.
Bone Density Testing
Regular examination is very important in order to check out the density of bones. Bone density testing method is helpful for diagnosing osteoporosis in its early stage. In this way you can prevent osteoporosis by adopting necessary treatment options in time.
Take Regular Medicine
It becomes crucial to take prescribed medicine on a regular basis in order to treat osteoporosis more effectively. Just follow a treatment plan and go to your consultant for recheckups on a regular basis.
Conclusion
Osteoporosis is a complicated health issue especially in older people. It is really critical to know what osteoporosis actually is. What are its symptoms and treatment options? It is very important to diagnose it at its early stage otherwise its symptoms in most of the cases appear as a fracture. That’s why it is also called a silent destroyer. They are certain methods and techniques that you can adopt in order to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Diet is very important in this whole aspect. Try to consume those foods in your daily routine that are rich in calcium and vitamin D. Take those exercises on a regular basis that are related to bone health, for example weight bearing exercises. By following the instructions as we have talked about in a comprehensive way you can improve your quality of life and can prevent osteoporosis in a better way.