Osteoporosis
articles and medical information from Dr. Nichols

OSTEOPOROSIS

Definition

Your bone is an active organ system. It is in a constant state of bone removal and bond production. Osteoporosis is also known as brittle bone disease and results in an imbalance in this process. Bone removal may be excessive or bone production inadequate, or both may occur. The result is a state of bone loss.

There are many factors that contribute to the development of this disease. It can be hereditary or brought on by medications or other medical illnesses. Smoking, excessive caffeine intake, excessive drinking of alcohol or soda beverages, and poor nutrition also contribute to the development of osteoporosis.

Clinical Symptoms

Persons with osteoporosis often suffer fractures that can be microscopic or obvious. These produce pain most often in the hip or back. Other common sites for fracture are the wrist, ankle, and shoulder.

Fractures related to osteoporosis often occur with falls. Dizziness, fainting, stroke, medication changes, psychiatric medications, alcoholism, vision loss, and dementia can all put a person at risk for falls. A person may also fall because of a loose rug or trip over an electrical cord.

Diagnostic tests are done to estimate bone mass and make the diagnosis of osteoporosis. The most common one is called a DEXA scan and measures bone density in the hip and lumbar spine.

Treatment

The treatment for osteoporosis is prevention. Two simple steps keep bone formation at optimal levels and put "money in the bank" for the later years when bone loss will exceed bone formation. First, people should take in 1,000 mg/day of oral calcium especially in the teenage years. Skim milk has the highest calcium content in the milk group. Women in postmenopausal years should have 1500mg/day. The second step is regular exercise which should be started as young as possible.

Adults and children put themselves at risk for this disease particularly by smoking, poor nutrition, lack of exercise and having a large caffeine, alcohol, or soda beverage intake.

Those who are at risk for or have developed osteoporosis should take precautions to avoid falls and see their doctor about medical treatment for osteoporosis. Postmenopausal women are particularly at risk for osteoporosis. These women should have a DEXA scan at least every 2 years and should be on estrogen replacement therapy.

References Snider, R.K. (Ed.). Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care.