Osteoporosis

 

What is osteoporosis?

 

Osteoporosis literally means, “porous bones”. It causes bones to become brittle, so that even minor stresses like bending over, or even coughing can cause a fracture. Bones often weaken when they have low levels of certain minerals in them, such as calcium and phosphorus. It is more common in women, especially postmenopausal women, but older men can also be prone. Once you have osteoporosis there is no cure for it - but there are many things you can do to help either prevent it in the first place or to help reduce the severity of it.

 

Symptoms

 

In the early stages, there are usually no symptoms, but as the condition progresses, back pain, height loss and a stoop can occur. Fractured vertebrae, wrist, hips and other bones may occur.

 

Cause

 

Bone strength depends on the size and the density of the bone. Bone density is dependent upon the amount of minerals including calcium that is in the bones. Bone, far from being a “static” tissue, is constantly changing. New bone is made and old bone is broken down, a process called remodelling. The full cycle of ongoing bone remodelling takes two to three months. In young people bone formation is greater than bone breakdown. This reaches a peak by about the age thirty. After that the reverse happens to bone remodelling and one loses more that one gains. Lose too much and osteoporosis occurs. With the menopause, oestrogen levels fall and bone loss in these women increases dramatically hence the high number of post-menopausal women who suffer from osteoporosis.

 

Who is at risk?

 

The risk of developing osteoporosis depends on how much bone mass was attained between the ages of 25 and 35 and how rapidly you lose it later. The more bone mass available at this risk age, the less likely that osteoporosis will occur in later life. Other risk factors include:

 

Female - You are more likely to get osteoporosis if you are female. This is especially so if you have reduced oestrogen levels. The risk in men is partly due to low levels of testosterone. It is more common in men over the age of 75.
Age - The older one gets the greater the risk as bones become weaker.

Race - White and south Asian descent people are more prone to osteoporosis

Family history - Osteoporosis does run in families. There is a greater risk if there is also a family history of fractures.

Frame size - Exceptionally thin men and women are at greater risk because of the lower levels of bone mass they have available to draw on as they age.

Steroids and other medications - Steroids such as prednisolone, (often used for chronic conditions such as arthritis and asthma), and other medications such as methotrexate and heparin can predispose to osteoporosis.

Breast cancer - Postmenopausal women with breast cancer have an increased risk. This is especially so, if they have treatment with chemotherapy that suppresses oestrogen.

Sedentary life style - Lack of exercise does little to help with bone remodelling or keeping you healthy and strong. Weight-bearing exercise stimulates bone growth thereby contributing to reduced bone loss. Exercise also strengthens the muscles around the bones which helps to keep people generally more healthy and strong.

 

Factors to keep bones healthy

 

Adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D (which helps your body absorb calcium) are required in the diet. Examples of good sources of calcium include:

 

Dairy products

Green leafy vegetables

Tinned salmon and sardines (with the bones)

Almond and Brazil nuts

 

The main source of vitamin D for most people will be via the sun's UV rays. It is thought that an average of 10-15 minutes with the sun on your face, arms and hands (without sunscreen) a couple of times a week is usually enough to provide you with the amount of vitamin D your body requires. Food sources of vitamin D include things like salmon, tuna, mackeral and egg yolks.

 

Regular exercise is also a contributing factor to healthy bones.

 

Tests

 

Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. (Dexa). This is a quick simple accurate test that measures the density of bones, especially the wrist spine and hips.

 

Treatments

 

All confirmed cases need to be seen by a doctor. Most will need to be treated with prescribed medications, including, hormone replacement, Bisphosphates, calcitonin and adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D.

Exercise plays an important role in treating osteoporosis, especially weight bearing exercise such as walking, jogging, jumping, running, weight-training, yoga and t'ai chi.

 

Complementary therapies

 

Although the mainstay of treatment is medication, many complementary therapies can also help. Therapies such as Bowen, Foot health Care, Osteopathy, Massage and others can help in various ways. These may help in maintaining mobility and muscle tone to help prevent falls. They can also relieve the back pain associated with osteoporosis.

 

Home remedies

 

Wearing good flat shoes is a must. Ensuring that any loose wires or carpets are not going to cause falls will help. Maintaining good posture helps to relieve back pain.

 

If you would like more information about osteoporosis please contact us here at the Earlsdon Practice by completing the form on our contact page.