Essential Facts About Osteoporosis

We are all familiar with the adage, “Prevention is always better than cure.” So the best strategy to fight a certain disease is to prevent it from starting. Osteoporosis is a condition that is quite preventable, and is better prevented than cured. And for you to do that, sound knowledge about this condition is vital.

A quick look at osteoporosis

Otherwise known as porous bone, osteoporosis is described by the National Osteoporosis Foundation as “a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures, especially of the hip, spine and wrist, although any bone can be affected.”

In a simpler definition therefore, it is a condition in which the bones become so weak and fragile they can easily be broken as a result of a minor fall or in serious cases, even from a simple sneezing action.

Certain facts about osteoporosis:

• Osteoporosis is generally considered a silent disease. You might be unaware that you have it until you break a bone.
• Although often believe as a condition affecting older people, osteoporosis can strike any person at any age.
• People from all ethnic background are considerably at risk.
• It is quite an under-recognized and under-treated condition in both Caucasian and African-American women.
• Compared with other ethnic/racial groups, Hispanic women have the most rapidly increasing risk.
• Osteoporotic fractures usually occur in the hip, spine, and wrist, although any bone can be affected.

Symptoms

The staggering figures mentioned above pertaining to osteoporosis underscore the need for adequate public education regarding this disease. And one of the simplest methods to do that is to learn the signs and symptoms associated with it such as follows:

• Bone weakness which is not usually felt until the person breaks a bone. If you have osteoporosis, a minor fall can cause your bone to break, and if the condition is quite serious, bones can break from a simple sneezing action or even spontaneously.
• Severe back pain, reduced height, or spinal deformities like kyphosis (stooped posture) can signal vertebral fractures in their initial stages. However, vertebral fractures can also occur without pain in many cases.
• Bone mass reduction usually occurs in women five to seven years after menopause increasing their susceptibility to osteoporosis.

Image via Wikipedia

Risk Factors

The risk of developing osteoporosis is increased by the following factors, of which some are unchangeable and others are quite modifiable.

• Gender (females are more at risk)
• Older age
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Body size (being small and thin)
• Certain race/ethnicities (Caucasian, Asian, Hispanic, but African-Americans are also at risk)
• History of broken bones
• Decreased sex hormones such as low estrogen concentrations in women (including menopause); absence of menses (amenorrhea); and low testosterone levels in men
• Diet (low calcium and/or low vitamin D intake; too much protein, sodium and caffeine intake)
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
• Alcohol abuse
• Certain drugs, including steroids, some anticonvulsants and others
• Certain diseases and medical conditions such as anorexia nervosa, rheumatoid arthritis, gastrointestinal conditions and others

Prevention

Approximately 85 to 90 percent of adult bone mass is said to be acquired by the age of 18 in girls and 20 in boys. To help prevent osteoporosis later in life therefore, it is essential that strong bones are developed during childhood and adolescence.

The following steps are key factors in preventing osteoporosis:

• Talk with your doctor regarding bone health
• Know the daily amounts of calcium and vitamin D recommended for your age and specific health needs; consult your doctor if necessary.
• Ensure that you take in the recommended daily allowance for calcium and vitamin D by taking dietary supplements containing these essential nutrients.
• Perform weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises regularly. 
• Avoid smoking as nicotine impairs bone health from various angles.
• Avoid taking too much alcohol.
• Have a bone density test to determine your bone mass status.
• Take prescribed medicine as needed, to keep your bone healthy.

Image via Wikipedia

A device to measure bone density to check for osteoporosis

Although osteoporosis is more common in the older population, it is essential that you start taking this disease seriously even if you are still in the in adolescence stage or in your twenty’s, especially if you are female. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so embark on your campaign against osteoporosis by starting with yourself.