Learn What Osteoporosis is and Tips to Manage It Effectively

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that affects around 200 million people globally, according to a research paper published in the European Journal of Rheumatology. Despite being a fairly common disease, not everyone knows what osteoporosis is. It is a condition in which one’s bone density gradually decreases. It usually doesn’t show any symptoms until an individual experiences a fracture. 

This short guide will help you understand this bone disorder that affects so many people. It will also give some tips on identifying the symptoms and managing the disease.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is often regarded as a silent disease because it does not present any early warning signs. However, there are some symptoms that may indicate an undiagnosed fracture or underlying causes of osteoporosis. These include changes in mobility capacities and pain or discomfort. Fractures in the spine can lead to alterations in posture and a reduction in height. You may also observe some symptoms that are not directly connected with osteoporosis but are associated with it, such as fatigue, brittle nails, dry skin, hair loss, or muscle pain.

Causes of Osteoporosis

The development of osteoporosis is quite complex, involving several possible causes, usually operating in tandem. These include:

• Age: As individuals get older, the rate of bone breakdown and replacement drops, which means that bones get gradually less dense.
• Family history: If there is a history of osteoporosis in the family, your chances of developing the disease are considerably higher.
• Hormonal factors: As estrogen levels drop in females, and testosterone levels fall in men, the chances of osteoporosis increase.
• Physical inactivity: can lead to bone loss and make bones weaker and less dense.
• Lifestyle factors: such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and a low body mass index can negatively impact bone density.

How to Manage Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is most often diagnosed after an affected person experiences a fracture. However, osteoporosis screening is recommended for people who are considered to be at the highest risk, especially women over the age of 65 and younger women who are at risk due to other factors such as family history, hormonal changes, etc. Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam that checks for changes in posture, height and weight, as well as balance and gait, and muscle strength. Your medical practitioner may order a test that measures your bone mineral density (BMD).

Once diagnosed, osteoporosis must be managed as a chronic condition. It cannot necessarily be cured completely, but steps can be taken to slow or stop bone loss. These steps usually include a combination of proper nutrition, lifestyle changes, exercise, fall prevention measures, and a range of medications.

Effective management strategies include:

• Changing your nutrition and taking supplements: A well-balanced diet, together with effective supplementation of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and other essential nutrients, can help to manage osteoporosis.

• Adjusting your environment to prevent falls: Remove tripping hazards, use assistive devices like canes or walkers, and light your home more brightly, in order to lower the chances of tripping and falling.

• Medication: Doctors will probably prescribe medications formulated to slow the rate of bone loss. The most common meds are bisphosphonates, calcitonin, or hormone therapy.

• Regular checkups: Once you receive a diagnosis, it is very important to maintain a good, ongoing relationship with your healthcare provider and go for regular checkups. Alongside treatment, constant monitoring is essential.  

WELL Health Diagnostic Centres has the facilities necessary to conduct BMD tests to help with the diagnosis of osteoporosis. These tests are non-invasive and pain-free, using X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are in a particular segment of bone. You will need to be referred by your healthcare provider. Then, you can contact your nearest WELL Health Center and make an appointment.