Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease that can be prevented and treated. It is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. Your bones can become thin or fragile without you even knowing it. Osteoporosis is a condition that happens when your bone strength or density is low, increasing your risk for fractures. If you have risk factors for osteoporosis or have broken or fractured a bone, ask your doctor what you can do to strengthen your bones and prevent fractures. Some men and women with osteoporosis may need medical therapy recommended by their doctor. Calcium, exercise, good lifestyle habits and fall prevention are important for everyone. Are you at risk? Millions of Americans are at risk. While women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease, men also suffer from osteoporosis. In simpler terms, osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak and can break from a minor fall or, in serious cases, from a simple action such as a sneeze. Women Over the age of 65 Fracture Steroid medication Caucasian or Asian ethnicity Thin or small build Family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture Post-menopausal women not on estrogen replacement Early menopause in women (before age 45) Sedentary (inactive) lifestyle Low calcium intake Low vitamin D intake Certain race/ethnicities such as Caucasian, Asian, or Hispanic/Latino although African Americans are also at risk Alcohol abuse Certain diseases and conditions such as anorexia nervosa, rheumatoid arthritis, gastrointestinal diseases and others Symptoms Unfortunately, people cannot feel their bones getting weaker. They may not know that they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. A person with osteoporosis can fracture a bone from a minor fall, or in serious cases, from a simple action such as a sneeze or even spontaneously. Vertebral (spinal) fractures may initially be felt or seen in the form of severe back pain, loss of height, or spinal deformities such as kyphosis or stooped posture. In many cases, a vertebral fracture can even occur with no pain. Women can lose up to 20 percent of their bone mass in the five to seven years after menopause, making them more susceptible to osteoporosis. You don't have to accept low bone mass or osteoporosis. If your test results indicate that you have low bone density, consult your physician about treatment options. An increase in BMD testing and osteoporosis treatment was associated with a decrease in hip fracture incidence.
Bone Mineral Density Test Results and what it means…

You don't have to accept low bone mass or osteoporosis. If your test results indicate that you have low bone density, consult your physician about treatment options. An increase in BMD testing and osteoporosis treatment was associated with a decrease in hip fracture incidence. BMD is an important determinant of fracture risk even in nursing home patients