Osteoporosis is acondition in which boneslose their density andbecome more porous andfragile. The condition canoccur in anyone, but ismuch more likely in olderfemales, especially aftermenopause. Diminishedbone strength fromosteoporosis occursparticularly in the spineand hips.
IntroductionOsteoporosis is a condition in which bones lose their density andbecome more porous and fragile. The condition can occur inanyone, but is much more likely in older females, especially aftermenopause. Diminished bone strength from osteoporosis occursparticularly in the spine and hips.
SymptomsOsteoporosis by itself does not cause pain and many people willnot know they have it until after it has progressed to a point thathas severely weakened the vertebrae. In some cases, as thedensity of the spinal vertebrae decreases, they may lose theirnormal height. When this loss occurs, the front part of thevertebrae may take on a more wedged type of configuration,causing forward-leaning posture and increased curvature of thespine (kyphosis) that will sometimes cause back pain. Whether theposture is affected or not, the primary risk of osteoporosis is spinalfracture. When this happens, there is often a sudden onset ofsharp pain at the fracture site. Mild trauma, such as light lifting oreven a heavy sneeze may be enough to fracture the weakenedvertebrae.
CausesBone is continually remodeled, and osteoporosis results from areduction in bone mineral density as the bone renews itself.Calcium helps build strong bones and vitamin D helps bonesabsorb and retain calcium. A deficiency in either of thesesubstances can slow the rate of bone growth to the point that thebones become porous and brittle. Estrogen also affects the rate atwhich bone renews itself, and post-menopausal womenexperience an increase in bone loss for several years following therapid decrease in estrogen production. Other factors that mayincrease the risk of osteoporosis include a lack of exercise, alcoholabuse, some medications (steroids) and smoking.
SummaryFortunately, osteoporosis can be avoided with preventative stepsand responds well to treatment when diagnosed early. Preventiontypically involves an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D,exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, stoppingsmoking, and periodic bone mineral density testing followingmenopause. Treatment may involve similar steps, often inconjunction with treatment for fractures that may have resulted andmedications to slow bone loss or increase bone production.
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