Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. Osteoporosis often was thought to be conditions of frail elderly women develop. Osteoporosis leads to literally abnormally porous bone that is more compressible like a sponge, that dense as a brick. This disorder of the skeleton weakens the bone leading to an increased risk of breaking bones (fractures). A broken bone can really affect a woman’s life. It can cause disability, pain or loss of independence. It may make it more difficult to do daily activities without assistance, such as walking. If you have osteoporosis, you have an increased risk of bone fractures (broken bones), especially in the hip, spine and wrist. In most cases, bones weaken when you have low levels of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals in the bones. The process of remodeling of bone resumption to matrix synthesis to mineralization normally takes about 8 months – a slow but steady. The disease is “silent” because there are no symptoms when you have osteoporosis, and conditions may come to attention only after breaking a bone. Osteoporosis can also accompany endocrine disorders or result from excessive use of drugs such as steroids.
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Osteoporosis can cause a person to stoop forward and appear to have a bump on his spine. The most serious and debilitating osteoporotic fracture is the hip fracture. The goal of treatment for osteoporosis is prevention of fractures in the first place. People with osteoporosis most often break bones in the hip, spine and wrist. Most patients with hip fracture who previously lived independently will require help from your family or home care. In the United States, about 10 million people have osteoporosis. Another 18 million people have low bone mass that places them at increased risk of developing osteoporosis. Any bone can be affected, but of special concern are fractures of the hip and spine. One in two women and four men in an age over 50 will break a bone in his life due to osteoporosis. A hip fracture almost always requires hospitalization and major surgery. Normal bone is composed of protein, collagen, and calcium. Bones that are affected by osteoporosis can fracture with only a minor fall or injury that normally would not cause a bone fracture.
Causes of Osteoporosis Common causes and risk factor of osteoporosis include the following: A family history of osteoporosis. Smoking. Anorexia nervosa. Lack of exercise or long-term rest may cause weak bones. Small, thin women are at greater risk. Some drugs, e.g. steroids. Drinking alcohol. Lack of dietary calcium. Inactive lifestyle. Low levels of testosterone in men. Long postmenopausal range. Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Some signs and symptoms related to osteoporosis are: Back pain, which can be serious, if you have a fractured or collapsed vertebra. Broken bones. Loss of height over time, with an accompanying stooped posture. Dull pain in the bones and muscles. Neck pain.
Treatment of Osteoporosis Here is a list of methods of treatment of osteoporosis: A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Exercise. You may need strong pain killers (analgesics), for some time, for an osteoporotic fracture. A healthy lifestyle.
Osteoporosis is the disorder of the skeleton which reduces the density of the bone. Usually due to this disorder, the bone becomes weak and result into frequent fractures in the bones. Literally we can say that due to osteoporosis, abnormally our bone becomes porous which is compressible like a sponge.
Bone receives strength from its composition of protein, calcium and collagen. Bones which get affected by osteoporosis break even if it gets slight pressure. When there is an imbalance between the old bone resorption and the formation of the new bone, it leads to osteoporosis. In this condition it may be possible that body may be fail in formation of new bone or it may be possible that the old bones may be reabsorbed or it is possible to have both the conditions. Calcium and phosphate are the two essential minerals for the formation of the new bones. If the intake of the calcium is not sufficient or our body is unable to absorb enough calcium from our diet then in this case bone tissue and the production of the bone suffers a lot. Bone may also result into weaker, brittle and fragile bones which can break easily.
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In early course this disease causes no symptoms. In the later stage, it may result into dull pain in the muscles or in the bones like neck pain and low back pain. Later in the course the patient suffering from osteoporosis feels sharp pains which may come on suddenly. This pain does not spread to other areas but it becomes worse when some weight is put on that area. The pain may subside in one week or it may linger even more than three months.
Some of the natural treatments for osteoporosis –
1. Exercise is very important for reducing the problem of osteoporosis. Especially the weight-bearing exercise is vital for the improvement of bone health. You may perform jogging, walking, dancing, running and also weight training. These exercises put more weight on the bones then other exercise like swimming.
2. Intake of vitamin D is very effective in building bone mass. From exposure of the sun we receive vitamin D it synthesizes in our body. It is also found in the food like salt-water fish, egg yolk, liver and fortified beverages.
3. Vitamin K is very essential in improving the bone loss. It is found in leafy vegetables like broccoli, sprouts, lettuce, spinach and Brussels.
4. Calcium is very important in building bone mass. Calcium is found in yoghurt, green vegetables, and soy products, in sesame seeds and in many things.
Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones characterized by a decrease in bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and increased susceptibility to fractures of the hip, spine and wrist.
The word “osteoporosis” literally means “porous bones.” Osteoporosis (pronounced OSS-tee-o-puh-RO-sis) occurs when bones begin to lose some of their essential elements. The most important of these elements is calcium. Over time, bone mass decreases. As a result, bones lose their strength, become fragile, and break easily. In extreme cases, even a sneeze or a sudden movement may be enough to break a bone.
Osteoporosis affects millions of older adults, usually striking after 60. Although it is most commonly found in women, it is not unheard of in men. Osteoporosis can be very far along before it became noticeable. Sometimes the first sign is a broken bone in the hip, spine, or wrist after a bump or fall. As the disease gets worse, other signs may appear such as pain in the back and ultimately, a curved backbone.
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Causes of Osteoporosis
The average rate of bone loss in men, and in women who have not reached menopause, is actually quite small. However, after menopause, the bone loss in women accelerates to an average of one to two percent a year. It is after menopause that the level of the female hormone estrogen in a woman’s body decreases sharply. Estrogen is a hormone that is important in protecting the skeleton by helping the body’s bone forming cells to keep working. So after menopause, this protection can be considered lost as the level of estrogen decreases.
Other causes of osteoporosis are heredity and lifestyle. Whites and Asians, tall and thin women and those with a history of osteoporosis are those at the highest risk of getting osteoporosis. The behavioral causes of increasing the risk of osteoporosis are smoking, alcohol abuse, prolonged inactivity and a diet low in calcium.
Symptoms and Treatment
Usually, osteoporosis does not cause any symptoms at first. Osteoporosis is often called the “silent” disease, because bone loss occurs without symptoms. People often don’t know they have the disease until a bone breaks, frequently in a minor fall that wouldn’t normally cause a fracture. Many people confuse osteoporosis with arthritis and believe they can wait for symptoms such as swelling and joint pain to occur before seeing a doctor. It should be stressed that the mechanisms
Treatment for osteoporosis includes eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, getting regular exercise, and taking medication to reduce bone loss and increase bone thickness. It’s important to take calcium and vitamin D supplements along with any medicines you take for osteoporosis. Even small changes in diet, exercise, and medicine can help prevent spine and hip fractures. Adults who adopt healthy habits can slow the progress of osteoporosis.
Think calcium, eat calcium. Learn to love tofu, tinned sardines and salmon and dark green leafy vegetables. Dairy produce and calcium enhanced foods are good calcium replenishments for bone.
Osteoporosis is a ache of basic that leads to an added accident of fracture. Osteoporosis in fact agency ‘porous bones’. In osteoporosis the cartilage mineral physique (BMD) is reduced, cartilage micro architectonics is disrupted, and the bulk and array of proteins in cartilage is altered.
Osteoporosis Causes
Osteoporosis occurs if there is an alterity amid new cartilage accumulation and old cartilage resorption. The physique may abort to anatomy abundant new bone, or too abundant old cartilage may be reabsorbed, or both. Two capital minerals for accustomed cartilage accumulation are calcium and phosphate. Throughout youth, the physique uses these minerals to aftermath bones. Calcium is capital for able activity of the heart, brain, and added organs.
MAINTAIN ADEQUATE BLOOD LEVELS OF VITAMIN D
Vitamin D plays a capital role in allowance us to blot calcium into our bones. However, studies in the U.S. (NHANES) and Canada accept begin that about 75% of Arctic Americans ache from vitamin D absence for at atomic allotment of the year. Fifteen accounts in the sun will not accommodate acceptable vitamin D for abounding people…and absolutely not in the winter for human’s active arctic of Boston.
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ADD VITAMIN K2 TO YOUR OSTEOPOROSIS TREATMENT PROGRAM
A top superior cartilage affliction supplement will generally cover vitamin K1…which is a lot of able at acknowledging advantageous insulin levels. Vitamin K2 is added able at ensuring that calcium stays in our basic and out of our arteries. . BUILD BONE QUALITY WITH STRONTIUM CITRATE Pharmaceutical companies accept conducted all-encompassing analysis assuming that strontium can advance cartilage physique 8%-14% if taken with acceptable calcium and vitamin D. Although decree strontium is not accessible in Arctic America, there is no affirmation that biologic strontium produces bigger after-effects than the strontium citrate begin aural a bloom aliment abundance or on-line..
EXERCISE! EXERCISE! EXERCISE!
Strength contest are an capital allotment of all osteoporosis analysis guidelines. Finding an exercise affairs that we adore are the lot of important consideration…because that is the one that we will abide throughout the years bare to body stronger bones.
An osteoporosis affable diet, admitting aural alleviative and disgusting, can in fact be appealing fun. We’re not talking carb-counting here. All you charge to do is accomplish abiding you’re accepting those capital vitamins and minerals that your basic charge to break able and healthy. Doctors generally appoint supplements of these vitamins, but they’re actual simple to get in your accustomed diet. There are as well a few key things you should abstain that can accident your basic and aggravate your osteoporosis; things like airy drinks or liver. For a lot of people, an osteoporosis affable diet is absolutely calmly accessible and will not clean the smile off your face if you sit down for banquet every night.
www.superfoodhealthyliving.com www.balancedhealthtoday.com Do you know why so many experience sore knees and leg muscle cramps when taking calcium supplements? Osteoporosis has been used to sell an unending number of calcium fortified products and supplements that could be causing great harm to those of us who consume them – too much of the wrong kind of calcium can make you feel old and creaky. David Wolfe in The Longevity Now Program has identified excessive calcification as one of the major causes of premature aging. This review of the Longevity Now program looks a little closer. * Calcium supplements in almost every single case cause decalcification of the bones, cause osteoporosis and calcify us in our joint in our muscle tissue and cause us to age prematurely. –David Wolfe Why Does So Much Of Our Medicine Just Address Symptoms And Not Cause? There is no question about it that the body needs calcium but if it cannot be absorbed and used, then it gathers in places where it is not needed and causes trouble. This is what happens when we just look at symptoms rather than the underlying cause of our conditions. In the Longevity Now program you’ll find the natural, absorbable sources of calcium that will cure the problem and not just build up in the body and cause other problems. www.balancedhealthtoday.com Cleveland, Ohio As Sur, United Arab Emirates, As Sur, UAE Norway, Oslo South Bend, Indiana Jackson, Mississippi Armenia, Yerevan Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek City of Greater … Video Rating: 0 / 5
The meaning of the term ‘Osteoporosis’ originates from ‘Osteo’ meaning bone, and ‘porosis’ implying thinning or becoming more porous. Hence, osteoporosis literally means ‘thinning of bone’. Medically, Osteoporosis is a disease of bone in which the bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced which means one has a low bone mass and deteriorating bone tissue. In simple words the bones become thin, brittle and may be easily broken. Bone mass (bone density) is the amount of bone present in the skeletal structure. The higher the density the stronger are the bones. Bone density is strongly influenced by genetic factors, which in turn are sometimes modified by environmental factors and medications.
If Osteoporosis is not prevented in the early stages or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until the bone tends to break. These broken bones, also known as fractures, occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist. The fracture caused by osteoporosis can be either in the form of cracking (as in a hip fracture), or collapsing (as in a compression fracture of the vertebrae of the spine). Though thee spine, hips, and wrists are common areas of osteoporosis-related bone fractures almost any skeletal bone area is susceptible to osteoporosis-related fracture.
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Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Severe pain, humpback, actual loss of height, are the main symptoms. Spasms of the back muscles and backache, thinning of pelvic bones, loss in twisting and bending strength, aching of the long bones and frequent occurrence of fractures.
Causes of Osteoporosis
1. Prolonged deficiency of calcium and Vitamin D demineralizes the skeleton and shrinks it. The disease is more prevalent among women.
2. Chronic alcoholism and heavy smoking.
3. Excess consumption of meat.
4. Reduced physical activities with age.
5. Post menopausal hormonal imbalance and prolonged cortisone treatment are other factors.
How to Prevent Osteoporosis
As we grow older, our skeletal system degenerates making our bones weak and prone to fracture. However, if you start living a healthy lifestyle early in your life, you may be able to interrupt the development of this disease. Here are some ways to prevent your chances of developing osteoporosis:
1. Get regular weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, jogging, climbing stairs, dancing, or weight lifting. Weight-bearing exercise helps keep bones strong and decreases the risk of developing osteoporosis.
2. Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of calcium and vitamin D. Both are needed for building healthy, strong bones. You can get a boost of Vitamin D by drinking fortified milk or by spending 10 to 15 minutes in the sun each day (if you have a dark skin, you will need more time in the sun). Take supplements of calcium and vitamin D if you are not getting enough in your diet.
3. Don’t smoke.
4. Limit your alcohol intake to 1 drink per day or less.
5. Cut down on caffeine. Caffeine increases calcium loss from your body and puts you at risk for osteoporosis.
6. There are medications, including estrogen, which can help prevent osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about whether these are ideal for you.
Home Remedies for osteoporosis
1. Oats, rice, millet and barley, sour milk products and foods rich in lactic acid should be consumed in liberal quantities.
2. Fruits like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries; sunflower seeds and sesame seeds; carrots, cabbage and green vegetables rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium and silicon are particularly beneficial.
3. Avoid overeating and large meals. Chew food thoroughly.
4. Trace mineral boron prevents calcium loss and de-mineralization.
Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones characterized by a decrease in bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and increased susceptibility to fractures of the hip, spine and wrist.
The word “osteoporosis” literally means “porous bones.” Osteoporosis (pronounced OSS-tee-o-puh-RO-sis) occurs when bones begin to lose some of their essential elements. The most important of these elements is calcium. Over time, bone mass decreases. As a result, bones lose their strength, become fragile, and break easily. In extreme cases, even a sneeze or a sudden movement may be enough to break a bone.
Causes of Osteoporosis
Causes of osteoporosis are heredity and lifestyle. Whites and Asians, tall and thin women and those with a history of osteoporosis are those at the highest risk of getting osteoporosis. The behavioral causes of increasing the risk of osteoporosis are smoking, alcohol abuse, prolonged inactivity and a diet low in calcium. There are also some diseases that are associated with aging that cause osteoporosis, which include kidney failure, liver disease, cancers, Paget´s disease, endocrine or glandular diseases, gonadal failure and rheumatoid arthritis. There are some medications like steroids, seizure drugs, thyroid hormone and blood thinners that are also found to cause osteoporosis.
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Symptoms and Treatment
Usually, osteoporosis does not cause any symptoms at first. Osteoporosis is often called the “silent” disease, because bone loss occurs without symptoms. People often don’t know they have the disease until a bone breaks, frequently in a minor fall that wouldn’t normally cause a fracture. Many people confuse osteoporosis with arthritis and believe they can wait for symptoms such as swelling and joint pain to occur before seeing a doctor. It should be stressed that the mechanisms
Risk Factor of Osteoporosis
1. A diet low in calcium, either as an adult or as a child, can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis.
2. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Lack of vitamin D is another risk factor for developing osteoporosis.
3. Smoking cigarettes interferes with the body’s ability to absorb calcium.
4. Excessive alcohol consumption also makes it difficult for calcium to be absorbed. Bones will be weaker without sufficient calcium.
Treatment of Osteoporosis
Although osteoporosis has no cure, several types of medications are available to reduce the rate of bone loss, increase bone density, and reduce the number of fractures. In general, they work in two main ways: they lessen bone break down (anti-resorptive agents) or they stimulate the formation of new bone (anabolic agents).
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy (HT) was once the mainstay of treatment for osteoporosis. But because of concerns about its safety and because other treatments are available, the role of hormone therapy in managing osteoporosis is changing. Most problems have been linked to certain oral types of HT, either taken in combination with progestin or alone.In addition, it is important to get enough vitamin D. A daily intake of 400 IU, but no more than 800 IU, each day is recommended. Obtaining adequate amounts of vitamin D from our food may be difficult. The main sources of dietary vitamin D are fortified milk (100 IU/cup), egg yolks (25 IU/yolk) and oily fish (vitamin D content varies).
Osteoporosis is a bone disease. It is virtually a disease on account of which the bones generally become fragile and weak. Osteoporosis if not taken proper care of lead may to the breakage of the bones thus leading to a fracture. Osteoporosis generally is found to be very much typical in certain parts of the body, say for instance in the hips, wrists, spinal cord and also in the vertebras. Osteoporosis is like a silent killer which attacks an individual without prior symptoms.
Osteoporosis is a silent condition which weakens bones and causes fractures which can result in severe disability. It is the third most common disease (after Hypertension and Diabetes) in the elderly population. Osteoporosis has been recognized as the third most common disease to be prevalent in India by WHO ( World Health Organization). One in three women, and the one in five men around the world who will be affected by osteoporosis.
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Causes of Osteoporosis
Causes of osteoporosis are heredity and lifestyle. Whites and Asians, tall and thin women and those with a history of osteoporosis are those at the highest risk of getting osteoporosis. The behavioral causes of increasing the risk of osteoporosis are smoking, alcohol abuse, prolonged inactivity and a diet low in calcium. There are also some diseases that are associated with aging that cause osteoporosis, which include kidney failure, liver disease, cancers, Paget´s disease, endocrine or glandular diseases, gonadal failure and rheumatoid arthritis. There are some medications like steroids, seizure drugs, thyroid hormone and blood thinners that are also found to cause osteoporosis.
Signs and Symptoms of Osteoporosis
During the preliminary stages of the bone disease, patients usually do not feel any symptoms. However as the bones become significantly weakened by the disease, the symptoms will start to appear. When osteoporosis is advanced, patients will likely notice symptoms of bone pain, back pain, height loss, neck pain, stooped posture, and bone fractures.
Since the symptoms are negligible during the early stages of osteoporosis, getting an early diagnosis can be inconvenient. Thus, Mayo Clinic recommends getting a bone density test if the patient is between 60 (female) to 70 (male) years old.
Treatment of Osteoporosis
Here is a list of methods of treatment of osteoporosis:
1. A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
2. Exercise.
3. You may need strong pain killers (analgesics), for some time, for an osteoporotic fracture.
4. A healthy lifestyle.
Another treatment method for osteoporosis is using a method that is going to stop or eliminate bone loss. This is one of the reasons why patients are so prone to fractures. Due to the fact that they loose components of their bones over time, it is more likely for them to get bone fractures for any given reason.
An additional treatment goal for osteoporosis is to use a method whereby the bones are going to be strengthened. Typically, this is where the prescription medicine comes into play. Medicine is given that is going to strengthen the patient’s bone. This is something that can certainly prevent fractures.
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. Osteoporosis often was thought to be a condition that frail elderly women develop. Osteoporosis leads to literally abnormally porous bone that is more compressible like a sponge, than dense like a brick. This disorder of the skeleton weakens the bone leading to an increase in the risk of breaking bones (bone fracture). A broken bone can really affect a woman’s life. It can cause disability, pain, or loss of independence. It can make it harder to do daily activities without help, such as walking. If you have osteoporosis, you have an increased risk for fractured bones (broken bones), particularly in the hip, spine, and wrist. In most cases, bones weaken when you have low levels of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals in your bones. The process of bone remodelling from resorption to matrix synthesis to mineralization normally takes about 8 months–a slow but constant process. The disease is “silent” because there are no symptoms when you have osteoporosis, and the condition may come to attention only after you break a bone. Osteoporosis can also accompany endocrine disorders or result from excessive use of drugs such as corticosteroids.
Osteoporosis can cause a person to stoop forward and appear to have a hump on his or her spine. The most serious and debilitating osteoporotic fracture is the hip fracture. The goal of treating osteoporosis is to prevent such fractures in the first place. People with osteoporosis most often break bones in the hip, spine, and wrist. Most hip fracture patients who previously lived independently will require help from their family or home care. In the United States, nearly 10 million people already have osteoporosis. Another 18 million people have low bone mass that places them at an increased risk for developing osteoporosis. Any bone can be affected, but of special concern are fractures of the hip and spine. One out of every two women and one in four men over age 50 will break a bone in their lifetime due to osteoporosis. A hip fracture almost always requires hospitalization and major surgery. Normal bone is composed of protein, collagen, and calcium. Bones that are affected by osteoporosis can fracture with only a minor fall or injury that normally would not cause a bone fracture.
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Causes of Osteoporosis
The common causes and risk factor’s of Osteoporosis include the following:
Family history of osteoporosis.
Smoking.
Anorexia nervosa.
Lack of exercise or long-term bed rest can cause weak bones.
Small, thin women are at greater risk.
Certain medications eg steroids.
Drinking alcohol.
Lack of dietary calcium.
Inactive lifestyle.
Low testosterone levels in men.
Longer postmenopausal interval.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Some sign and symptoms related to Osteoporosis are as follows:
Back pain, which can be severe if you have a fractured or collapsed vertebra.
Broken bones.
Loss of height over time, with an accompanying stooped posture.
Dull pain in the bones or muscles.
Neck pain.
Treatment of Osteoporosis
Here is list of the methods for treating Osteoporosis:
A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
Alendronate (Fosamax®): This drug belongs to a class of drugs called biophosphonates and is approved for both prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Exercise.
You may need quite strong pain killers (analgesics), for quite some time, in the event of an osteoporotic fracture.
A healthy lifestyle.
Biphosphonates: This type of medication is used to arrest the progress of osteoporosis and even reverse it. They encourage the laying down of calcium in the bones. One of these is also used when people have to be on long term steroids.
Calcitonin is another medication used to decrease bone loss.
Sodium fluoride can increase the measured bone density in vertebra, but seems to have no overall effectiveness in reducing vertebral fracture.
caffeine promotes the excretion of calcium from your bones. Osteoporosis is a silent disease and one of the most common disorders of prost menopausal women. Video Rating: 1 / 5
A presentation by Dr. Jeff Herten. Look for more information in his book, “The Sobering Truth”, which can be found at www.soberingtruth.com. Video Rating: 0 / 5
Osteoporosis is accelerated bone loss. Normally, there is loss of bone mass with aging, perhaps 0.7% per year in adults. However, bone loss is greater in women past menopause than in men of the same age. The process of bone remodelling from resorption to matrix synthesis to mineralization normally takes about 8 months–a slow but constant process. Bone in older persons just isn’t as efficient as bone in younger persons at maintaining itself–there is decreased activity of osteoblasts and decreased production of growth factors and bone matrix.
Osteoporosis causes, diagnosis, symptoms, risk factors, prevention, and treatment. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to weaken, become brittle and more easily breakable. The osteoporosis disease process can be silent (without symptoms) for decades. It’s a harse reality that the drugs we take to treat arthritis, especially the corticosteroids, also wreak havoc on our bones.
Osteoporosis occurs when the resorption causes the bones to reach a fracture threshold (the point at which they are likely to break when subjected to a modest stress, such as falling). A fall, blow or lifting action that would not normally bruise or strain the average person can easily break one or more bones in someone with severe osteoporosis.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Bone pain is seen less commonly than joint pain and muscle pain. The source of bone pain may be obvious, as in a fracture following an accident. Or it may be more subtle, such as cancer that spreads (metastasizes) to the bone.
Hip fractures typically occur as a result of a fall. With osteoporosis, hip fractures can occur as a result of trivial accidents. Hip fractures may also be difficult to heal after surgical repair because of poor bone quality.
An abnormally curved upper back, or dowager’s hump, develops when the bones of the upper spine (vertebrae) become thin and brittle (known as osteoporosis) and collapse on each other. Having collapsed vertebrae in any part of the spine results in a loss of height.
The appearance of the widow’s hump or a fractured wrist or hip from a fall may be the first actual symptoms of osteoporosis unless your doctor has been measuring your bone density. Men also should watch for a loss of height, change in posture or sudden back pain. There are a number of risk factors that increase a person’s likelihood of having osteoporosis.
Pain, disfigurement, and debilitation are common in the latter stages of the disease. Early spinal compression fractures may go undetected for a long time, but after a large percentage of calcium has been lost, the vertebrae in the spine start to collapse, gradually causing a stooped posture called kyphosis, or a “dowager’s hump.” Although this is usually painless, patients may lose as much as 6 inches in height.
Causes of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis occurs when an imbalance occurs between new bone formation and old bone resumption. The body may fail to form enough new bone, or too much old bone may be reabsorbed, or both.
The strength of your bones depends on their size and density; bone density depends in part on the amount of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals bones contain. When your bones contain fewer minerals than normal, they’re less strong and eventually lose their internal supporting structure.
The leading cause of osteoporosis is a lack of certain hormones, particularly estrogen in women and androgen in men. Women, especially those older than 60 years, are frequently diagnosed with the disease. Menopause brings lower estrogen levels and increases a woman’s risk for osteoporosis. Other factors that may contribute to bone loss in this age group include inadequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, lack of weight-bearing exercise, and other age-related changes in endocrine functions (in addition to lack of estrogen).