Many people ask questions about bone diseases, in particular, osteoporosis. Let’s find out all the information you need about osteoporosis and how to prevent it.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is characterized by bone weakness or low bone density. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of diagnoses of this disease. Osteoporosis occurs when new bone regenerates more slowly than older bone cells are lost. This leads to more fragile and easily breakable bones, regardless of the amount of pressure applied.
Osteoporosis usually affects people older than 65, especially post-menopausal women. This disease develops slowly and is usually diagnosed after a person suffers from a broken bone. That is why it is important to increase awareness of osteoporosis and how to diagnose and prevent it.
Osteoporosis symptoms
Osteoporosis can occur without any symptoms which is why it is considered a silent disease. Tests are conducted to diagnose osteoporosis because it must be diagnosed before showing osteoporosis symptoms. After that, the physician will continuously follow up with the patient and apply osteoporosis-preventable protocols to prevent any further deterioration in the bones.
Below are some of the most important osteoporosis symptoms:
- Height loss of a few centimeters.
- Bending forward and a change in the body’s natural position.
- Low back and hip pain.
- Difficulty breathing if the fragility is in the Thoracic vertebrae.
Osteoporosis diagnosis may be delayed until after a fracture of the wrist, pelvis, or lower vertebrae occurs.
Causes of osteoporosis
The risk of developing osteoporosis can increase in the following cases:
- In women more than men.
- Old age, particularly, after 50.
- Postmenopausal even if it occurs at a younger age.
- Family history of osteoporosis.
- Low calcium diet.
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Malnutrition and low vitamin D levels.
- Low mass density and low weight in general.
- Lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyle.
- Chronic rheumatism, chronic kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism.
- Taking certain medications, such as cancer medications.
Osteoporosis diagnosis
It is important to diagnose osteoporosis early to prevent factors. Here is a list of tests needed to confirm osteoporosis diagnosis:
- Bone density scan (DEXA)
- Vitamin D levels
- Calcium levels
- Thyroid and parathyroid hormones tests
- Osteocalcin protein test.
Contact MedLabs team to help you choose the necessary tests to diagnose osteoporosis early.
Osteoporosis treatment
A specialist will choose the most appropriate therapy for you after running the osteoporosis tests mentioned above. A treatment protocol is followed to compensate for any deficiencies in vitamin D and calcium. Treatments will be dispensed for any osteoporosis-causing illness and medications that affect bone density may be replaced if necessary.
A physician may prescribe an osteoporosis medication for a few years to prevent bone degeneration and to restore bone density. These medications may include:
- Bisphosphonates.
- Denosumab.
- Hormone-related therapy.
- Teriparatide.
It is important to follow the doctor’s orders regarding the treatment of osteoporosis. Before taking any medication, you may require a visit to the dentist to undergo any necessary tooth extraction or implant before starting treatment.
Osteoporosis prevention
It is crucial to maintain sufficient calcium and vitamin D levels and to commit to physical exercise. Smoking cessation and avoiding alcohol consumption plus conducting regular tests are also necessary to prevent osteoporosis.
High-risk patients who are most susceptible to osteoporosis must take precautionary methods to prevent falls to avoid any potential bone fractures. Please follow this advice to reduce your fracture risk:
- Wear seat belts in the cars.
- Wear protective gear when riding a bicycle
- Do not stand on breakable surfaces like tables.
- Use a cane or a walker if you are at a high risk of falling.
- Remove any clutter that you might trip over.