Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis Overview

Osteoporosis is one of those medical conditions that is both preventable and treatable if caught in time. However, too many people suffer from it due to the lack of awareness or lack of opportunities for prevention. Many people, specifically women suffer from illness, deformity and even death from osteoporosis. We, at Spine Physicians Institute have plenty of experience in this illness.

Causes

It must be noted that the back pain is not caused directly by osteoporosis. However, it can weaken the spine in a way that it can no longer withstand normal stress. Even a minor trauma, such as a fall from the bed while sleeping, can result in fractures. Fractures in the spine are regarded as the first outward sign of this illness. Advanced osteoporosis is quite painful and disabling to the patients. Lack of sufficient calcium intake is the most common cause of osteoporosis. Voluntary or involuntary restrictions in diet weaken the bone structure.

Statistics

It is common knowledge that osteoporosis is one of the most prevalent illnesses in United States. More than 10 Million people suffer from this. Among them 8 million are men and 2 million are women. Another 54 million have low bone mass. Therefore, they are at increased risk for osteoporosis.
Some key statistics include:

• Around 1.5 million people suffer from bone fractures caused by osteoporosis each year. Approximately 700,000 people suffer from vertebral compression fractures.

• It is estimated that one in every two women and one in four men who are above 50 years will sustain some type of osteoporosis-related fracture.
• Approximately 24% patients above 50 years suffering from hip fractures are prone to death in the year following their fracture.

Diagnosis

A bone density scan can help diagnose osteoporosis. The physician might use an X-ray, body CT or bone densitometry to confirm the diagnosis and asses the risk of fracture.

Treatment

The treatment is warranted only when appropriate medical history, physical exam and diagnostic tests have been obtained and a positive diagnosis of primary osteoporosis has been made. The goal of osteoporosis treatment is to prevent bone fractures. Therefore, the treatment usually includes and education on diet, nutrition and exercise. Physician may also prescribe medication, such as Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva etc.
The awareness of necessary diet is the most paramount in this treatment. Appropriate Calcium and Vitamin D intake can go a long way in decreasing the risk. Regular exercise and fitness are necessary to maintain a sufficient bone density and reduce risk of falls.
For more questions, contact our offices located in Dallas, Irving, Red Oak, Plano, Southlake, Grapevine, Colleyville and Duncanville marketplaces.