Osteoporosis- Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

If you have discomfort, soreness and often painful movements then it could be a common condition termed as osteoporosis. The problem occurs due to low bone density and damage of the bone healthy bone structure.

Osteoporosis causes fractures in the hip, wrist and spine. Bone is a tissue that goes damaged and replaced by itself. But in some cases the loss of an old bone is tough to be replaced and that results.

As it is the most ongoing health issue, we would like to address you with the symptoms that caution you to get the treatment without a delay. The timely medication, diet and exercises can control and prevent this unhealthy bone problem.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis causes difficulty in mobility for an affected person. The medical reason behind it is that an internal part of a health bone is composed with small spaces. The bone structure is similar like a honeycomb with the minor spaces. These spaces inside the bone expand which results in the loss of bone density and strength. Eventually internal damage affects the outside bone which makes them weaker. Later, the bones weaken and are prone to fractures, misalignment and other bone complications.

Who gets Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a widely affecting condition in both women and men. But adult women are more at risk due to their age and weak immunity. (R) Over 53 million of United States citizens are prone to this bone problem.

If you are delaying the treatment of osteoporosis then it will become severe. The patients of osteoporosis face certain complications like chronic pain and bone fracture even under casual physical pressure in everyday life.

Signs and symptoms of Osteoporosis

There is a major difference between normal bones and the bones that are affected by osteoporosis. Unfortunately, this major health concern has no typical symptoms at an early stage. If you are trying to know whether you are suffering from osteoporosis then notice if you have been experiencing these related problems-

Back pain

If you are suffering from severe back pain then do not take it lightly. It could be chronic pain or a long tiring day that causes pain in your spine. The sudden pain while standing or walking can also be a symptom of this condition. Some people have difficulty while bending.

Loss of height

The bones that affect your spine can also lead to height loss as they shrink. If you have already noticed that there is a loss of height then get it checked before the condition becomes critical for you.

Bent posture

Yes, osteoporosis shows its impact on posture. Your posture after this problem can be stooped which means bent shoulders or spine. The bent posture by default is not casual as it can possibly be a symptom of osteoporosis.

Easy bone damage

The abnormal tissue structure of the bone is prone to damage. As the bones lose density, it increases the risk of bone fracture.

Causes of Osteoporosis?

Some of the causes for osteoporosis are the risk factors at the same time. Age is a factor that leads adults to the risk of this bone disorder. Some other possible causes are-

01. Calcium deficiency

Calcium plays a big role in bone health. Low calcium is a direct cause for development of osteoporosis. It reduces the bone density and weakens the bones. The bones that are lacking calcium are more at risk of fractures with minor or major injuries.

02. Lack of vitamin D

The root cause may not be lack of calcium for osteoporosis rather it is vitamin D deficiency which stops from absorbing the calcium from your food. Low level of vitamin D affects the bones with loss of density. To prevent it you need an active D vitamin regularly.

03. Hormonal changes

We previously wrote that osteoporosis increases post menopause in women. It is due to the lower level of estrogen as they age. In later stages of osteoporosis, women lose more bone but less replacement.

04. Underweight

Restricting nutritious food and poor diet keeps you underweight. Unhealthy weight can weaken the bones in men and women. For that reason, you must maintain a healthy weight. (R)

05. Alcohol and smoking

Overconsumption of alcohol and smoking stops bone replacement. It doesn’t allow the bone to form in place of weakened bones which can result in osteoporosis. (R)

06. Medication

Certain medicines may cause osteoporosis. For example, the medicine doses of hyperthyroidism may lead to the loss of bone density. Other examples are prednisone or cortisone that make you prone to abnormal bone conditions.

How to diagnose Osteoporosis?

There are three popular ways to diagnose osteoporosis- bone density test, CT scan, and ultrasound. These medical tests detect whether you are affected with this bone disorder and it is prescribed by your doctor after a casual check-up.

Bone density test

This test is to know the grams of calcium and other essential minerals that are composed in each part of the bone. It takes a test in areas of the spine, hip, and forearm to diagnose osteoporosis.

CT scan

It is an advanced level of test to determine bone disorder. It is carried out with a series of x-ray images that are captured from various angles and then uses the computer mechanism to create the cross sectional images of the bones. This test provides the clarified details compared to a plain X-ray.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound creates the images of the bones which gives the required information to detect the condition. It is a popular test that is followed to diagnose different disorders of the internal system.

What is the best treatment for Osteoporosis?

Bones can be rebuilt even after a diagnosis of osteoporosis. There is less possibility in older women but it can at least bring to control. Mostly the patients with this bone disorder are given the medicine bisphosphonates. These are a type of drugs given monthly or weekly in the form of pills or injections based on the severity. You can only take these medicines with a prescription by a medical physician.

You can even consult a physiotherapist to help strengthen your bones and muscles. It saves your bones from thinning and relieves you from the pain or discomfort that is caused by the bone disorder.

Besides the medical treatment, you can adapt to natural treatments like strength training, aerobics, yoga, and gentle stretching exercises. Physical activities relieve and manage the pain of osteoporosis. Healthy eating must be another practice to manage the effects it.

Which doctors treat Osteoporosis?

You need to consult the right doctor to treat osteoporosis. See if you have access to reach out to an orthopedic physician as they are experts in treating injuries and musculoskeletal problems. Otherwise, you can go to the medical specialist who is a gynecologist, physiatrist. Your family doctor may refer you to the best specialist as well.

How to live with Osteoporosis?

The only way to live with osteoporosis is the proper treatment combined with health care. You must make lifestyle changes that can improve your bone condition. The following may help you better-

Healthy diet

A diet that adds plenty of nutrients to your body is healthy. The most vital nutrient that your need for bone health is calcium. Some of the best options are soy, dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and bread.

Exercise

Making exercise a routine habit can soothe the painful bones. Then lack of body movement can deteriorate the condition. So, include exercises that involve body movements.

Exercise is a key to keep the bones active and prevents bone loss. The best workout styles to prevent or reduce osteoporosis are

Mindful care

Of course, you take care of yourself. But how mindful are you? We urge you to be careful with your body movements, be gentle with yourself. It is because bones are brittle and weaker after osteoporosis compared to normal which needs your extra care.

What are the complications we have for Osteoporosis?

You have certain complications of osteoporosis that interrupt your routine life. But then these are controllable with medication and care that you take further post diagnosing it.

I. Bad posture

There are multiple causes for impaired posture. If your shoulders are going to bend or a bend in the spine then it can be a complication of osteoporosis.

II. Chronic pain

You develop chronic pain which makes it difficult to transit the body from sitting to standing position or vice versa. You may also experience discomfort while bending with the condition of osteoporosis.

III. Height loss

Height loss over time with age is a common thing. Then what is unusual?

Losing too much height is not common as it can be an effect of osteoporosis. It may reduce considerable inches as the bones crumble.

IV. Vulnerability to fractures

We are forwarding this point from the beginning as a critical one. Osteoporosis endangers bone fractures with injuries. Osteoporosis in the spine can damage the bones even without injury but only with daily physical activities.

FAQ:

Is Osteoporosis completely curable?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for osteoporosis but then it can strengthen and protect the weak bones.

Does Yoga give you any relief from Osteoporosis?

A brief yoga session added to the routine can help relieve the symptoms of osteoporosis.

What is the life expectancy of an Osteoporosis person?

The life expectancy for a 50-year-old man can be 18.2 years and for a 75-year-old man, it can be around 7.5 years. For women, it is 26 years or above and 13.5 years respectively. These analyses are considered the early treatment of the patients. (R)

Which organs are affected with Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones which can cause damage or fracture in the hip, wrist, spine.

Everyone needs a clear understanding of osteoporosis. It is a condition that affects your happy routine, well-being, and most important your physical health. If any pain or discomfort in bones is constant or frequently occurring then consult your doctor. Medical attention is the first step that you need if you are suspecting that you are affected by osteoporosis. Keep your efforts to prevent it with regular exercise, healthy eating, and cutting off the changeable risk factors like alcohol consumption and unhealthy weight.