OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteoporosis is the most common human bone disease. It literally means “porous bone.” Throughout our lives, our bodies are continually removing older, weaker bone and replacing it with newer, stronger bone. Peak bone density is reached in early adulthood and that is maintained until we are 30 to 45 year old. After that time, the rate of bone removal begins to exceed the rate of bone replacement. When this occurs, we begin to lose bone density which causes deterioration in the architecture of the bone, making it more fragile.
Osteoporosis is a silent disease because it develops unnoticed for years. Typically, it is discovered after a fracture occurs. The most common areas of fracture are the hips and the vertebrae of the spine (i.e. vertebral compression fractures). Vertebral fractures more commonly occur spontaneously from non-traumatic events, such as bending over to pick something off of the floor. These fractures cause severe pain, disability and even death.
Fortunately, osteoporosis is largely preventable through early recognition and detection. A bone mineral density test (DEXA) scan is a quick and easy test to:
Detect osteoporosis before a fracture occurs.
Predict your risk of suffering an osteoporotic fracture.
Monitor your response to therapy.
Determine the effect of high risk medications (such as steroids) on bone density.
Major Risk Factors for Osteoporosis:
History of fracture after age 50
Female gender
Advanced age
Current cigarette smoking
Low body weights (<127 lb.) or thin frame
Sedentary lifestyle
Lifelong low calcium intake
Personal history of non-traumatic fracture as an adult
Chronic use of anticonvulsants
Certain cancer treatments, and oral/inhaled corticosteroid medications
Caucasian or asian race
Family history of osteoporosis
Alcoholism
Testosterone deficiency in males
Low estrogen (i.e. menopause) History of fracture after age 50
Prevention:
Take Calcium (1,200 mg/day) and Vitamin D (200-600 daily IU/day) Supplements.
Exercise regularly (3-4 x/week) with weight bearing exercises.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco use.
Treatment Options for Osteoporosis:
There is no cure for osteoporosis, however, there is a specific class of medications which can help to slow the break down of bone and/or speed up the formation of new bone. These medications include: Fosamax, Boniva, Evista, Actonel, Forteo, and Reclast.