Osteoporosis, Bone Density and Disease Prevention

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. These broken bones occur typically in the hip, spine and wrist. Any bone can be affected, but of special concern are fractures of the hip and spine. A hip fracture almost always requires hospitalization and major surgery. Spinal fractures also have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity.

Osteoporosis occurs after middle age. In young people, bones are constantly broken down and reformed. The rate of bone formation exceeds the rate at which bones are broken down. After middle age, the rate of bone formation slows, causing the bones to gradually become thinner and more porous. Here, a portion of a bone showing signs of osteoporosis (right) is contrasted with a portion of a healthy bone (left). Bones weakened by osteoporosis are much more vulnerable to fracture than are denser healthy bones.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis:

• Menopause
• Small Bone Structure
• Family History of Hip Fractures
• High Consumption of Alcohol or Caffeine
• Cigarette Smoking
• Some Medications
• Some Diseases, such as Thyroid Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Low Amount of Calcium in Diet
• Lack of Exercise

Prevention

Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, there are steps you can take to prevent it or to slow or stop its progress. The National Osteoporosis Foundation suggest the following five steps to bone health and osteoporosis prevention.

Five Steps to Bone Health and Osteoporosis Prevention

1. Get your daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D
2. Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise
3. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
4. Talk to your doctor about bone health
5. Have a bone density test and take medication if appropriate

Bone Density Tests

A Bone Density Test is the only way to diagnose osteoporosis and determine your risks for future fracture. Since osteoporosis can develop undetected for decades, until a fracture occurs, early diagnosis is important.

A Bone Density Test measures the density of your bones (bone mass) and is necessary to determine whether you need medications to help maintain your bone mass, prevent further bone loss and reduce fracture risks. The test is accurate, painless and noninvasive. It is never too late to start your prevention program.

Department of Radiology

To Schedule an Appointment : 205-250-6830

www.norwoodclinic.com

*Information provided by the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
For more information visit their website at www.nof.org.

 

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