Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, often called "the silent disease", is a bone disease characterized by decrease in bone mass and density resulting in brittle, fragile bones that are more susceptible to fractures, even without injury. The condition most commonly develops in elderly women.

The exact cause of osteoporosis is not known, however the factors that increases the risk of developing osteoporosis include:

• Women are at a greater risk than men
• Poor nutrition
• Diet low in calcium
• Lack of exercise
• Asian people
• People with thin and small body frame
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Women who are postmenopausal
• Medical conditions, including hyperthyroidism, Cushing's syndrome and hyperparathyroidism
• Some medications such as corticosteroids, endometriosis medications, thyroid replacement medications, and antacids containing aluminum may contribute to bone thinning

Osteoporosis may cause no symptoms in the early stage of the disease. Later as the condition progresses it may cause the following symptoms:

• Low back pain and neck pain due to fractures of the spinal bones
• Dull pain in the bones accompanied by tenderness
• Loss of the height of the spine giving a stooped posture (dowager hump)
• Fractures from minimal trauma

Your doctor will make the diagnosis of osteoporosis based on the medical history, physical examination and a bone density test. Bone mineral density test is a painless, non invasive and safe method of measuring bone density.

Treatment

The goal of the treatment is to control pain and to prevent bone fractures by reducing the bone loss. There are different treatment options for osteoporosis:

Diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D

Exercise: Regular exercises can decrease the risk of developing bone fractures in people with osteoporosis. Your doctor may recommend exercises such as weight bearing exercises, riding stationary bicycles, using rowing machines, walking, and jogging.

Medications: Medications such as alendronate, risedronate, raloxifene, ibandronate, and calcitonin are used to strengthen bones and to stop bone loss.

Prevention

The tips to prevent osteoporosis may include:

• Consume a healthy balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
• Quit smoking and avoid excessive alcohol intake
• Exercise regularly
• Take medications to prevent osteoporosis