Osteoporosis

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that develops due to increased bone fragility and fracturing due to elevated brittleness of the bone. 55% of Americans over the age of fifty have been diagnosed with this condition, but it may develop at any age. Osteoporosis has two categories: primary and secondary osteoporosis. Primary osteoporosis is more common and is not connected to other diseases or conditions. Secondary osteoporosis occurs as a side effect of medication, a different disease or condition, or exposure to radiation.

 

What does Osteoporosis feel like?

Symptoms associated with Osteoporosis:

  • Bone fractures
  • Back pain
  • Episodic
  • Acute low thoracic/high lumbar pain
  • Compression fracture of the spine
  • Kyphosis
  • Dowager’s hump
  • Decrease in height
  • Early satiety
  • Decreased activity tolerance

 

Diseases/Conditions that may induce Osteoporosis:

  • Eating disorders
  • Cancer
  • Cancer treatment
  • Rheumatic diseases
  • Osteogenesis imperfecta
  • Chronic renal failure
  • Cushing’s Disease
  • Chronic pulmonary disease
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Gastrointestinal disease
  • Hepatic disease
  • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

How is Osteoporosis diagnosed?

Generally, osteoporosis is diagnosed by physicians using a bone density test. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that a normal bone density score is -1.0 or higher, -1.0 to -2.5 for osteopenia, and -2.5 or lower for patients with osteoporosis. The risk of fractures or breakage increases as the bone density decreases. The Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) is more accurately used to determine a 10-year fracture probability, since many factors play into an individual patient’s bone quality.

 

Category

Bone mineral density score (T-Score)

Normal

-1.0

Osteopenia

-1.0 to -2.5

Osteoporosis

-2.5 or less

Severe osteoporosis

-2.5 or less with 1 or more fragility fractures

How can Osteoporosis be managed?

Treatments for Osteoporosis:

  • Weight-bearing exercises to elevate the loading on tall bones and calcium uptake
  • Flexibility and balance exercises to strengthen physical abilities and functions, posture, and minimize the risk of accidents
  • Strengthening exercises to improve muscle stability and increase the traction of bones
  • Postural exercises such as chin tucks to reduce the risk of changes in the vertebrae position.
  • Core stability exercises to provide the patient with a better foundation and strengthen the lower back and hip muscles.
  • Dietary management to support bone growth and solidification since the ability to absorb calcium is reduced with age. A diet with increased amounts of calcium-rich foods ensures that the bones receive the amount of required calcium to stay healthy and strong. Milk, cheese, almonds, yogurt, broccoli, and soybeans are all examples of calcium-rich foods. Patients with osteoporosis are not suggested to have high amounts of protein in their diet as the kidneys flush out calcium alongside excess protein. Supplements such as vitamin D and fish oil may be suggested to treat osteoporosis.
  • Clinical yoga and pilates with a qualified instructor
  • Testosterone treatment