Definition

Osteoporosis happens when the bones become thin and less dense than normal. Osteoporosis makes bones more brittle and fragile and more likely to break (fracture). Over time, osteoporosis can cause your bones to become so weak that they fracture after a minor fall. Bones in the hip, wrist, and spine are most likely to fracture due to osteoporosis.

Causes

The exact cause of this condition is not known. However, osteoporosis may be primary (senile and post-menopausal) and secondary (due to chronic diseases)

Risk factors

  • Family history
  • Poor nutrition
  • Use of Steroid medicines, such as prednisone, Anti-seizure medicines, Nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco
  • Female gender
  • Are age 50 or older
  • Are not physically active (are sedentary)
  • Are of European or Asian descent
  • Have a small body frame

Signs or symptoms

A fracture might be the first sign of osteoporosis, especially if the fracture results from a fall or injury that usually would not cause a bone to break.

Other signs and symptoms include:

  • Pain in the neck or lower back
  • Stooped posture
  • Loss of height

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

  • Your medical history
  • A physical exam
  • A bone mineral density test is also called a DXA or DEXA test (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry test). This test uses X-rays to measure the amount of minerals in your bones.

How is this treated?

This condition may be treated by:

  • Making lifestyle changes, such as including foods with more calcium and vitamin D in your diet
  • Doing weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises
  • Stopping tobacco use
  • Limiting alcohol intake
  • Taking medicine to slow the process of bone loss or to increase bone density
  • Taking daily supplements of calcium and vitamin D
  • Taking hormone replacement medicines, such as estrogen for women and testosterone for men
  • Monitoring your levels of calcium and vitamin D
  • The goal of treatment is to strengthen your bones and lower your risk for a fracture.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Eating and drinking Include calcium and vitamin D in your diet.
  • Calcium is important for bone health, and vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium.
  • Good sources of calcium and vitamin D include:
  • Certain fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna
  • Products that have calcium and vitamin D added to them (are fortified), such as fortified cereals, Egg yolks, Cheese, and Liver.

Activity

Do exercises as told by your doctor.

You should do:

  • Exercises that make you work against gravity (weight-bearing exercises), such as tai chi, yoga, or walking
  • Exercises to strengthen muscles, such as lifting weights

Lifestyle

  • Do not drink alcohol. Know how much alcohol is in your drink. In the U.S., one drink equals one 12 oz bottle of beer (355 mL), one 5 oz glass of wine (148 mL), or one 1½ oz glass of hard liquor (44 mL)
  • Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco.
  • Preventing falls:- Use devices to help you move around (mobility aids)as needed, such as canes, walkers, scooters, or crutches
  • Keep rooms well-lit and clutter-free
  • Remove tripping hazards from walkways, including cords and throw rugs
  • Install grab bars in bathrooms and safety rails on stairs
  • Use rubber mats in the bathroom and other areas that are often wet or slippery
  • Wear closed-toe shoes that fit well and support your feet
  • Wear shoes that have rubber soles or low heels

General instructions

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your healthcare provider
  • Keep all follow-up visits.

Screening

  • For patients who have never been screened for osteoporosis and are women who are age 65 or older.
  • A man who is age 70 or older.

Summary

Osteoporosis is the thinning and loss of density in your bones. This makes bones more brittle and fragile and more likely to break(fracture), even with minor falls. The goal of treatment is to strengthen your bones and lower your risk for a fracture. Include calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Calcium is important for bone health, and vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Talk with your doctor about screening for osteoporosis if you are a woman who is age 65 or older or a man who is age 70 or older.