Osteoporosis is a serious condition that makes the bones frail and susceptible to fractures. If it is caught in the early stages, it can be managed successfully and sometimes reversed. If it is diagnosed in the beginning stages of bone loss, called osteopenia, steps can be taken to prevent osteoporosis. However, if it is left untreated, complications can result that will affect your quality of life.
Identification
Throughout life, the bones are constantly changing. Old bone is broken down and destroyed, and new bone takes its place. During childhood and young adulthood, new bone normally is replaced faster than old bone cells are destroyed. This process continues until about age 20, when peak bone mass is reached. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, if too much bone is lost or the body does not make enough new bone, the bones can become porous and frail, and osteoporosis may develop. Osteoporosis can occur with no symptoms or warning signs until a fracture or other complication occurs. This is why getting a bone density test is so important.
Causes
Certain risk factors can increase the chances of getting osteoporosis and developing complications. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease, being female, older, having a small frame and a family history are factors that cannot be altered. However, maintaining a body weight that is too low, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, being sedentary and eating a diet poor in calcium and vitamin D are factors that can be changed to reduce the chances of developing complications. Medications can slow down the progression of this disease or reverse osteoporosis altogether. Because the complications of osteoporosis can be severe, the best defense is getting regular screening and reducing controllable risk factors.
Falls and Broken Hips
Because osteoporosis makes the bones frail, they are more susceptible to fracturing if a fall occurs. This is especially critical in the elderly, who tend to have poor balance. The most common place for a fracture to occur is in the hip, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that one out of every four hip fracture patients needs nursing home care after a fall; one out of every five hip fracture patients die within one year of the fracture.
Regular exercise and stretching help strengthen the muscles and maintain mobility. This can can contribute to a stronger body that is less likely to fall. Making sure there is adequate lighting around the home, removing rugs that are not tacked down and storing commonly used items in areas that are easy to reach will help.
Compression Fractures
Osteoporosis is a primary cause of compression fractures in the vertebrae or bones of the spine. As osteoporosis weakens the bones, they can fracture due to no longer being able to support the body's weight, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. This leads to hairline fractures called compression fractures. In cases of severe osteoporosis, a compression fracture can occur while simply bending, twisting, lifting even light objects, sneezing or coughing. As more and more vertebra are affected height can be lost and chronic back pain may develop. Compression fractures can also compress nearby nerves, which can lead to problems with bladder and bowel movements, muscle weakness and numbness.
Kyphosis
Compression fractures and poor posture can lead to the development of a rounded upper back, or kyphosis, in those with osteoporosis. The head tends to jut forward, the upper back is curved outward and there is tendency to lean forward at the hips. This brings the body out of alignment and can increase the risk of a fall. This change in posture is often due to overstretched and weak back muscles and tight chest muscles.
References
- National Osteoporosis Foundation: Bone Basics
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease: Osteoporosis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Hip Fractures Among Older Adults
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Vertebral Compression Fractures in the Elderly
- Mayo Clinic: Kyphosis Complications
