Osteoporosis

Introduction Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disorder that is characterized by low bone mass. This condition results in the deterioration of bone tissue, which indeed results in porous bone. Our bones are usually dense and strong enough to support our weight and protect internal organs from trauma. As you age, some loss of bone density is natural. However, in osteoporosis, this process is increased many times, leading to bones that are much weaker and more fragile. Osteoporosis is also called a silent disease, as it progresses quietly without any noticeable symptoms. You can accidentally know that you have osteoporosis when a slight bump or fall may result in a fracture and an X-ray reveals weakened bones.

What are the symptoms of Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis usually does not cause any noticeable symptoms. Osteoporotic fractures can happen from simple actions—like a minor fall, bending, or even coughing—things that wouldn't usually break a healthy bone. Many people are unaware they have osteoporosis until they experience:

• Sudden back pain due to collapse of the spine
• Loss of height over time
• A stooped or bending-forward posture
• Lower back pain
• Shooting pain due to nerve root compression

What are the causes of Osteoporosis? Our bone is constantly renewed through a balance of breakdown and rebuilding. Until around age 30, your body builds more bone than it loses. However, after the age of 35, this balance shifts—bone breaks down faster than it's rebuilt, slowly leading to bone loss. In osteoporosis condition, you lose bone mass at a greater rate. Several factors increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. These include: Age: Bone loss accelerates with advancing age. Sex: Women are at higher risk, especially post-menopausal women Hereditary: You might inherit this condition from your family Ethnicity: People of European or Asian descent are at a higher risk Build: People with small skeleton frames or who are naturally thin are at a higher risk Hormonal factors: People who have overactive thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands, as well as low oestrogen levels, are at a higher risk Tobacco and alcohol: People who smoke & drink alcohol are at a higher risk Lifestyle habits: A sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, and limited sun exposure increase the risk Dietary factors: Low calcium diet and malnutrition affect bone health Medical problems: Gastrointestinal diseases: Celiac disease or Inflammatory bowel disease Autoimmune disorders: Rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, or ankylosing spondylitis Blood disorders: Multiple myeloma Kidney and liver diseases Medicines: Long-term use of corticosteroids, diuretics, or proton pump inhibitors increases the risk

How to Diagnose Osteoporosis? Doctors ask about your symptoms and perform physical assessments. They perform the following tests to diagnose osteoporosis:

• Bone mineral density tests or DEXA scans
• CT scan
• X-rays

What is the treatment of Osteoporosis? Treatment for osteoporosis aims to:

• Prevent fractures
• Slow or stop bone loss
• Minimise fall risk
• Alleviate symptoms of fractures

Treatment approaches are: Medications:

• Bisphosphonates
• Calcium or vitamin D supplements
• Hormone therapy
• Bone-building medicines
• Other Medications, including calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, and denosumab

Lifestyle adjustments: Exercise: Regular exercise is beneficial for long-term bone health. You should include:

• Weight-bearing exercises strengthen your muscles and train your balance.
• Walking, yoga, Pilates, and tai chi improve your strength and balance. Changing habits:
• Avoid alcohol
• Quit smoking
• Remove trip hazards from your home

How can I Lower My Risk of Osteoporosis? By following some simple lifestyle habits, you can lower your risk:

• Include calcium-rich products in your daily life. These include low-fat dairy products, dark-green leafy vegetables, calcium-fortified cereals, and soy products.
• Get sufficient sun exposure and vitamin D supplements for better bone health.
• Regular exercise not only improves your overall health but also strengthens your bones.
• During menopause, consult your doctor for appropriate therapy to reduce your risk of osteoporosis.
• People with celiac disease can benefit by switching to a gluten-free diet.
• Fall prevention can prevent osteoporosis complications.