Warning
Signs of Osteoporosis and Bone Health Screenings
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mineral
density and deterioration of bone tissue. This causes bones to become brittle
and prone to fracture.
It happens when the body fails to form enough new bone tissue or
loses too much old tissue. Osteoporosis literally means "porous
bone."
1. Bone
Remodeling
Normal bone goes through continuous remodeling through
resorption and formation.
2.
Imbalance
Osteoporosis occurs when resorption outpaces formation.
Risk Factors
The top risk factors for osteoporosis include:
·
Being female
·
Advanced age
·
Family history
·
Small, thin body frame
·
Nutritional deficiencies
·
Inactive lifestyle
·
Smoking
·
Excessive alcohol intake
·
Certain medications
1. Age
Low estrogen after menopause increases osteoporosis risk in
women.
2.
Family History
Having a parent who fractured a hip raises your risk.
Symptoms and Warning
Signs
Osteoporosis is known as a "silent disease" but some
indications may include:
·
Loss of height over time
·
Stooped posture
·
Fractures from minor
traumas
·
Sudden, severe back pain
(vertebral compression fracture)
·
Tooth loss
·
Joint pain
1.
Height Loss
Spinal compression fractures can cause gradual height loss.
2.
Dowager's Hump
Forward curvature of upper spine leads to hunched posture.
Bone Mineral Density
Screening
Getting a bone density test is important for detecting low bone
mass before fractures occur. It's recommended for:
·
All women age 65+
·
Men 70+
·
Younger adults with risk
factors
·
Anyone who fractured a
bone after age 50
Common screening tests are DXA scans and CT scans which measure
bone mineral density.
1. DXA
Scan
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan uses X-rays to measure
bone density.
2. CT
Scan
CT scan creates cross-sectional images to check for bone loss.
Prevention and Treatment
Steps to build strong bones and prevent bone loss:
·
Consume enough calcium
and vitamin D
·
Perform weight-bearing
and resistance exercises
·
Don't smoke and avoid
excessive alcohol
·
Treat underlying
conditions and reduce medications if possible
Treatment for osteoporosis involves medications like
bisphosphonates, estrogen therapy, and osteoclast inhibitors.
Conclusion
Osteoporosis leads to weakened bones prone to fractures. Being
aware of risk factors like age, family history and female gender allows for
early evaluation and screening. Sudden back pain, fractures, height loss and
stooped posture are key signs. Getting regular bone density tests can detect
low bone mineral density before serious complications occur. Prevention focused
on proper exercise, nutrition and lifestyle is essential.
Frequently Asked
Questions
1. How
can you detect osteoporosis early?
Getting regular bone density screenings if you are at higher
risk allows early detection before fractures.
2. Does
osteoporosis run in families?
Yes, having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis puts you at
higher risk genetically.
3. What
age does osteoporosis usually start?
Osteoporosis risk increases around age 50 and rises
significantly after menopause in women.
4. Can
osteoporosis be reversed?
There is no cure but early treatment can strengthen bones and
reduce risk of new bone loss and fractures.
