Understanding Osteoporosis

What isOsteoporosis ?

Osteoporosis literally means "porous bone". While the outer form of the bone does not change (unless there is a fracture), the bones have less substance and so are less dense. There is a gradual loss of bone calcium which begins between the ages of 35 and 50 and progresses over many years.

As a result the bones become weak, brittle and fragile and lose their integrity. Even a minor trauma, such as a simple fall may result in a fracture. Hip, spine and wrist fractures are the most commonly seen osteoporotic fractures. Fractures result in disability and loss of independence.

When the bones of the spine (the vertebrae) are weakened, a simple action like bending forward to make a bed or lifting a vessel from the stove can be enough to cause a fracture. These vertebral fractures often cause back pain, a decrease in height and a humped back.

What causes osteoporosis ? ..

Living bone contains a protein mesh in which calcium salts are deposited. In fact, the bones and teeth contain about 99 percent of the calcium in the body. Calcium makes bone hard.

Bone, like any other tissue of the body, is a living tissue and is continuously being renewed and repaired. Old bone is removed and replaced by new bone. This process is continuous and there always is a balance between the removal of old bone and formation of new bone, resulting in maintenance of its structural integrity. In osteoporosis, this balance is lost. Either too much old bone is being removed or too little new bone is being formed. As a result, the bones become porous and may break with the slightest fall or injury resulting in a fracture.

What are the major risk factors for Osteoporosis ? ..

A number of risk factors for osteoporosis have been identified. These include the following :

Menopause
Menopause represents the end of menstruation, when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.. Menopause is not a disease but a naturally occurring event - the end of fertility which results from a decreased production of female hormones. These hormones are known to protect against bone loss. After menopause, the decrease in these hormones results in increased bone loss which may lead to osteoporosis.

Early menopause
This is one of the strong predictors for the development of osteoporosis, especially if menopause is induced by surgery or other means that remove both ovaries or cause a sufficient drop in female hormone (estrogen). Many experts define "early" menopause as menopause occurring before the age of 45.

Other important risk factors include :

• A diet poor in Calcium

• Sedentary life style

Which bones are commonly affected by Osteoporosis ?

Osteoporosis is a generalised disease affecting all the bones. However, bones of the spine (vertebral column), hip joint and wrist are most commonly affected. Fractures of hip generally result in immobility and loss of independence.

What are the symptoms of Osteoporosis ? ..

In most cases, a patient is 50 to 70 years of age when osteoporosis in diagnosed. This disorder, however, can strike a woman as early as her mid-thirties. People with osteoporosis may have no symptoms until their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump or fall causes a bone fracture. Then, of course, pain can be severe and can drastically curtail physical activity.

Other clues to the presence of osteoporosis besides back pain are loss of height or curvature of the upper back. A chronic aching along the spine or, more often, pain from spasm in the muscles of the back may occur.

How is Osteoporosis diagnosed ?

Though backache is one of the early signs of osteoporosis, early diagnosis of osteoporosis is difficult because sometimes the first visible sign of osteoporosis may be fracture itself. However, today there are newer instruments available which can measure strength of the bone. Some laboratory tests can also be used to diagnose osteoporosis.

How can Osteoporosis be prevented ? ..

The best way to prevent osteoporosis is to adopt a life-style that includes a balance of proper diet and regular exercise. Foods rich in calcium e.g. milk, cheese etc. can help prevent onset of the disease. As vitamin D plays a critical role in calcium absorption and bone health, consumption of vitamin D supplements may also be helpful. Avoidance of smoking and alcohol can also prevent osteoporosis.

Minimising risk of fractures..

There are ways to prevent fractures, if the bones are already fragile. Minimising hazards in the home can help, such as avoiding slippery floors and loose mats or rugs, removing objects that might cause a fall, providing adequate lighting and adding handles or, nonslip bottoms to bathtubs. Railings on stairways inside and outside of the home can help.

It is also a good idea to avoid actions that cause undue stress to the bones. In particular, do not lift while bending forward. Lifting this way creates an unusual and unnecessary strain on the vertebral column. A person should carry the weight close to the body, squatting and lifting straight up, using the legs and not the back. If the spine is weak, it is wise to complete avoid lifting heavy objects.