Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle, leading to an increased risk of fractures. It happens when old bone cells die faster than new ones can replace them. Over time, this leaves the bones with large holes and makes them less dense.
Osteoporosis often has no symptoms until a fracture happens. The most common osteoporotic fractures occur in the spine, wrist, and hip, but they can happen anywhere in the body. Fractures cause pain, changes in posture, loss of height, and disability. In severe cases, spine fractures can even cause sharp back pain or stooped posture.
Some key facts about osteoporosis:
- It affects more than 200 million people worldwide. As populations age, this number will likely grow.
- Women are at higher risk since they lose bone mass rapidly at menopause due to dropping estrogen levels.
- Good nutrition, especially getting enough calcium and vitamin D, helps build strong, dense bones when you're young. This bank of bone mass can help prevent osteoporosis later.
- Weight-bearing exercise also helps keep bones strong. Walking, jogging, tennis, and strength training are all good options.
- Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol helps prevent bone loss.
If you have risk factors like a family history of fractures, being small and thin, or taking certain medications, talk to your doctor about getting a
bone mineral density (BMD) test. This scan shows if your bones are weaker than normal. If the BMD shows osteoporosis, medications can help slow bone loss and make bones stronger.
The good news is osteoporosis is preventable and treatable. Building strong bones while young, getting enough calcium and vitamin D daily, exercising, not smoking, and limiting alcohol can all help prevent bone loss. Testing BMD and taking medications if needed can also reduce fracture risk. Taking these steps helps ensure your bones stay fracture-free and support an active lifestyle as you age!
Let me know if you have any other questions! Osteoporosis is common, but there are many ways to have healthy bones at any age. For more information, visit Wellness Clinic.