Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disorder in which the bones lose mass and density and become porous, brittle, weak and prone to fractures. It is most common among women during and after menopause, and is also common in elderly men.
Bones lose mass naturally as people age, but osteoporosis accelerates this loss. The many factors leading to osteoporosis include:
• Lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity and diet low in calcium including smoking and alcohol abuse.
• Low levels of sex hormones, history of absent menstrual periods and surgically removal of ovaries before age 45 without receiving hormone replacement therapy.
• Long-term use of Corticosteroid or other immunosuppressive therapy.
• Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, asthma, cancer etc.
Osteoporosis may cause back pain and loss of height or a stooped posture as it progresses, but often the first sign of osteoporosis is a fracture in the spine, hip or wrist. Bones become so porous that falls or even coughing, sneezing or bending over can lead to fractures in osteoporotic bones causing sharp and sudden pain.
Osteoporosis usually can be revealed through bone density tests, such as a type of x-ray called a DEXA scan.
Treatment options include adequate amounts of dietary calcium and Vitamin D, regular exercise and medications such as bisphosphonates. Men may be prescribed testosterone replacement therapy, but long-term hormone replacement therapy is becoming less common for women because of serious health risks. In some cases spinal surgery such as vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty may be considered to treat pain associated with vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis. In addition, practicing good posture and ergonomics, preventing falls and wearing hip pads are also helpful.
People can take several preventive steps to reduce their risk of osteoporosis such as building bone mass at a young age through exercise and a good diet so that a store of strong bone material is built up for later years. However, people of all ages can strengthen their bones by limiting cola and other caffeinated drinks, limiting alcohol and not smoking.
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