“My back is aching! I only tripped and lost my balance”
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder which causes low bone mass. The bone becomes thin and weak leading to bone fragility and increase fracture risk. Because of the decline in bone mass, fractures can occur from low trauma.
Osteoporosis can be primary or secondary.
Primary Osteoporosis is an age-related decline in bone mass or menopause changes.
Secondary Osteoporosis is due to medical conditions or medications.
Risk factors for osteoporosis include age, family history, smoking (as you can see smoking causes many medical conditions), low body weight, alcoholism, White or Asian race, chronic use of certain medication such as corticosteroids, medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, amongst many other risk factors.
Prevention
Weight-bearing exercise which includes dancing, walking, elliptical low-impact aerobics, and stair climbing
Strength training exercise: Free weights or weight machines at home or in the gym
Smoking cessation
Avoiding excessive alcohol intake
Increase the intake of protein
Increase the intake of calcium and Vitamin D.
Diagnosis
According to USPTF, screening for osteoporosis with DEXA scan is started in women age 65 years or older without previously known fractures or secondary causes of osteoporosis. Women younger than 65 years should discuss their risk factors with their physician for further assessment.
Studies have shown increase mortality rates with hip and vertebral fragility fractures. Following a hip fracture, up to 20% of women die within 2 years and more than half are unable to return to independent living.
If you meet some of the risk factors, have a discussion with your physician.
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