Osteoporosis refers to thinning of the bones,
as the age progresses. It affects women more than men and progresses
after menopause. However this condition is both preventable and
treatable if caught in time but the bad news is that there is not enough
awareness about the opportunities for prevention and treatment of
osteoporosis. Osteoporosis itself does not cause back pain but it
weakens the vertebral spine so that it can no longer withstand normal
stress or a minor trauma resulting in a fracture. Advanced osteoporosis
is really painful and disabling.
Some of the
risk factors of osteoporosis includes:
Age factor- People over 65 years of age are at particular risk.
Gender- Women possess greater risk of losing bone more rapidly
than men due to menopause. Men also contribute 20% to the patient
population of osteoporosis.
Race- Caucasian and Asian women are at greater risks.
Family and personal history- History of fracture on the
mother's side of the family and a personal history of any kind of bone
fracture as an adult poses great risk for occurrence of osteoporosis.
Menstrual history and menopause- Normal menopause increases
women's risk of osteoporosis while early menopause increases the risk
even more.
Body type- Small-boned women weighing less than 127 pounds are
at greater risk of osteoporosis.
Lifestyle- Certain lifestyle behaviors increase osteoporosis
risk including calcium or vitamin D deficiency, no exercise, alcohol
abuse and smoking.
Chronic diseases and medications- Certain medications can
damage bone leading to secondary osteoporosis.
Various treatments are present for osteoporosis which include education
on diet or nutrition, exercise and medications. Some of the medications
used for treating osteoporosis are:
1.Bisphosphonates
2.Calcitonin
3.Selective
estrogen receptors modulators like raloxifene
4.Estrogen or
hormone therapy
5.Teriperatide (a parathyroid hormone)
Exercise
and fitness also helps in maintaining bone density and reducing the
risks of falls. Always carry out a proper diagnostic test for
osteoporosis for its better treatment. The ultimate goal of osteoporosis
treatment is to prevent fractures.
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