What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens an individual’s bones, making them more susceptible to damage. It makes bones far more fragile than the average person's, and it is difficult to diagnose. Physicians typically don’t discover it until after a fall that causes a fracture. 

Many different factors contribute to the development of osteoporosis. 

One of the most common is a lack of vitamin D and/or calcium over several years. Calcium is essential for keeping your bones strong; if you’re not getting enough, your bones will become frail. Some of the other causes of osteoporosis include:

  • Aging
  • Being confined to bed during a long illness
  • Excessive dieting or poor protein intake

Who Is at Risk for Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis affects both men and women of all ages and ethnicities. It is more common in older people because we start losing strength in our bones naturally after age 35; however, it can still occur in younger people. These groups also have an increased risk of osteoporosis:

  • Heavy drinkers
  • Men with low testosterone
  • Petite adults
  • Post-menopausal women
  • Smokers
  • Those who take corticosteroids or anticonvulsants for extended periods
  • Those with a family history of osteoporosis
  • Those with a sedentary lifestyle
  • Those with nutritional deficiencies
  • Women with low estrogen

There are many ways to prevent osteoporosis. Some of these methods are quick and painless, while others require more substantial lifestyle changes.

Osteoporosis Prevention

Vitamin D is excellent for your bones, so the more you can absorb, the better!  Sunshine is one of the best sources of vitamin D, but you can also get it from certain foods and supplements.

Ensure you are eating calcium-rich foods or taking calcium supplements. Getting your calcium from food is always advisable, but the most important thing is that you are getting enough of it, one way or another.

Those who regularly smoke and drink alcohol have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis. Cutting these substances out of your life, or at least limiting your intake, can reduce your risk of osteoporosis.

Performing weight-bearing and resistance exercises is a great way to keep your bones healthy. If you are new to strength training, you may want to consult with professionals or do some research before you start.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is often referred to as the “silent disease” because its symptoms don’t outwardly present. The first sign of osteoporosis is typically a broken bone. However, there are some signs you can look for that may indicate you could be developing osteoporosis. These include:

  • A curved shape to the spine
  • Fragility-related fractures
  • Height loss
  • Lower back pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Receding gums

Of course, the earlier you can identify signs of osteoporosis, the better. Start taking preventative measures as soon as possible to avoid these signs altogether or at least prevent your bone health from worsening.

Testing for Osteoporosis

Physicians can perform a bone density scan (DEXA scan) to determine if you have osteoporosis. A DEXA scan is a type of X-ray used to examine bone mineral density, which indicates how thick and strong your bones are. 

During a DEXA scan, patients lie on their backs, and a low-energy X-ray beam passes through their body, most commonly through the hip or the spine. Once this test has been completed, your doctor will be able to tell you your BMD, which will provide the definitive answer as to whether or not you have osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis Treatment

There are various options for treating osteoporosis. Incorporating calcium and vitamin D into your diet is a great place to start, as the lack of these nutrients is a primary cause of osteoporosis. 

You can also be prescribed medications that will help strengthen your bones, reducing the risk of breaking them on sudden impact if you fall.

Making lifestyle changes, like exercising frequently and improving your diet, will strengthen your bones. 

Every person’s treatment plan will look different depending on the severity of their condition. That’s why developing a personalized plan based on your individual needs is important.

Contact Your Primary Care Physician

Osteoporosis is diagnosed, treated, and managed by primary care physicians. If you think you may have osteoporosis, contact your primary care physician today to get evaluated or seek treatment. For surgical repairs of osteoporosis-related bone fractures, reach out to our team at Orthopedic Specialists of Idaho.

Back to top