Osteoporosis is a disease process that causes the density of your bones to decrease, creating brittle and porous bones. Once bones have become weak and brittle they are very susceptible to fracture with even minor stresses, such as a gentle fall, or even a cough. With osteoporosis, fractures can occur anywhere, but are very serious when they happen in the spine. A spinal fracture can lead to spinal deformity and severe pain. Women are much more prone to suffer from osteoporosis but, according to Spine Universe, as many as 20 percent of the estimated 10 million sufferers are men. Researchers don't know the exact process that causes osteoporosis, but experts agree that prevention is possible through exercise and diet.
Medications
There are several prescription medications that can slow the loss of bone mass. Some medications--such as Calcitonin, Ibandronate and Zoledronic acid--can only be taken by women, but there are medications that can be helpful for men as well. Your body is continually reforming the bone you already have by producing new bone cells. At the same time, old bone is broken down. Each of these medications slow down bone loss so that the overall density of the bones increases.
Exercise
Regular exercise throughout life not only helps to reduce the chance of developing osteoporosis, but can help slow or reverse the condition once it exists. Exercise works in several ways. First, it helps keep the body generally healthy and stable so that you are less likely to experience a fall that may lead to fracture. Secondly, weight bearing exercises such as walking, jogging and hiking can build bone mass.
Nutrition
Along with regular exercise, good nutrition and nutritional supplements can be helpful in preventing and treating osteoporosis. Calcium is a mineral that contributes to bone density and is critical to maintaining the health of your bones. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends getting 1,000 mg of calcium per day for adults under the age of 50, and 1,200 mg for adults 50 and over. Vitamin D is also important in bone health, as it helps your body absorb calcium. You can get vitamin D through nutritional supplements, food or sunlight.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy was once widely used for women who are post-menopausal, but according to Spine Health, recent studies have shown that it can lead to increased risk of blood clots, breast cancer, stroke and heart attack. Other medications are now recommended first as treatment options for osteoporosis.
