1. It's Partially Your Mother's Fault
Osteoporosis, the weakening of the bones, is more common in women, but can also occur in men. It occurs more often in white and Asian women over 50, who have a small body frame or are thin and in women who entered menopause early. If a direct family member, like your mother, sister, father and so on, have had vertebral fractures, you have a greater chance of having reduced bone mass. Smoking, excessive alcohol use, glucocorticoids and other medications, eating disorders, gastrointestinal and other diseases, and low intake of calcium and vitamin D increase your chances of getting osteoporosis.
2. A Passive Aggressive Disease
Osteoporosis is a silent disease. Since there typically aren't any symptoms, most people don't know they have osteoporosis until after they've broken a hip or fractured their vertebrae. However, once it has progressed, you may feel a dull pain in the muscles and/or bones, especially in the lower back and neck. Later, sharp sudden pains can occur and worsen with weight. Pains may eventually linger for months.
3. Give It To Me Straight
Physicians test for osteoporosis through dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans, quantitative computed tomography (QCT), or peripheral bone density testing. DEXA scans measure bone mineral density, and take around five minutes. QCT uses more radiation than DEXA, is able to isolate specific areas to test and provides a 3-D image which shows the area's true volume density. Peripheral bone density tests use ultrasound machines to locate bone loss in a specific area, like the heel or hand. Patients whose mean bone density is 2.5 points below adults of the same age and ethnicity have osteoporosis. X-rays can only tell you if you have advanced stages of bone loss, vertebral collapse and fractures of the bone.
4. Put Osteoporosis on a Permanent Vacation
Prevention is the key. Through proper diet and by staying active with frequent weight bearing exercises, it is possible to prevent osteoporosis. It is necessary to eat foods that strengthen the bones by providing high levels of calcium and vitamin D, like dairy, spinach, salmon, tofu and almonds. A diet high in calcium, at least 1200 mg to 1500 mg per day, and 400 to 800 units of vitamin D can help to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Lifting weights, and light aerobic activities, such as jogging, walking, and aerobics, can help to strengthen the bones and increase bone mass.
5. Treat Me Right
The main goal of treatment for osteoporosis is to decrease the chance of fractures and increase bone mass. Osteoporosis can be treated through several medications. Fosamax and Actonel are two medications, known as bisphosphanates, that regulate calcium in the body and help prevent the breakdown of bones. Calcitonin is a natural occurring hormone that also inhibits the breakdown of bone. It can be taken as a nasal spray or through injections. Estrogen replacement therapy increases bone mass after menopause and lowers the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
