Osteoporosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention
About Osteoporosis:
Weakening of bones is called osteoporosis. In this condition, bone mass density decreases, which increases the risk of bone fractures. The first level of BMD loss is known as 'osteopenia'. If it is not diagnosed and treated on time, then the risk of osteoporosis increases.
Although osteoporosis is more common in women above the age of 50, but now it is happening to men as well as to younger people. Osteoporosis is not only caused by calcium deficiency. In women, estrogen is very important for maintaining BMD levels. BMD declines rapidly after menopause due to low estrogen levels in the body. Changing lifestyle, poor eating habits, heredity as well as lack of exercise are the main factors leading to osteoporosis.
Causes of osteoporosis:
Normal bone is made of protein, collagen and calcium. When bones lose their density and become abnormally weak, porous, they compress more easily, making them more likely to break (such as a hip fracture) or a spinal fracture. The loss in BMD starts at several levels. The first level of loss in BMD is known as 'osteopenia'. If it is not treated, then osteoporosis happens. Ribs and wrists are the most prone to fractures due to osteoporosis.
The main risks of having osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis is also known as 'brittle bones'. Osteoporosis disease is now becoming common even among young people. Bad lifestyle, sitting for long hours, unhealthy eating habits, stress etc. are its risk factors. Other risk factors are as follows-
physical inactivity
calcium deficiency
vitamin d deficiency
to smoke
heavy drinking
weight loss
rheumatoid arthritis
prescription drugs (such as heparin, prednisone)
Symptoms of Osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis is also called the 'silent killer'. This is because when bone loss starts at an early stage, there are no specific symptoms. Usually, this clinical condition goes unnoticed until a person suffers from a fracture. But, in some rare cases its symptoms can be seen, which are as follows-
Back pain: Back pain in osteoporosis is usually caused by fractures of the spine. There is a lot of pain in this. This is because broken vertebrae in the back radially impinge on the nerves that extend from the spinal cord.
Bone fracture: One of the most common symptoms caused by osteoporosis is bone fracture. In this, the bones become so weak or brittle that the risk of fracture increases significantly.
Stooped posture: In some cases, fractures in the spine from osteoporosis can cause the upper back to bend forward, appearing short in height.
Diagnosis of Osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis is diagnosed through a DEXA scan. It is called the best test. Once the Dexa test detects osteoporosis, one should immediately visit a doctor.
Treatment of osteoporosis:
1. Fractured bones are treated in case of osteoporosis. It takes a long time for this fracture to heal. Even after the fracture heals, it takes a long time for the bones in that area to become strong enough to support body weight and activities of daily living.
2. Damage caused to bones is removed through medicines. Bone strength is increased. The use of hormone (estrogen) replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause was quite common in the recent past, but its use has been gradually reduced after some disadvantages of this therapy were observed.
3. Two surgical options are vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, which can reduce pain caused by spinal cord pressure. These surgeries use 'bone cement', which is injected into the damaged vertebrae to make them more dense and strong.
Measures to prevent osteoporosis:
Below are some guidelines on how to prevent osteoporosis naturally, by adopting which you can stay away from this bone disease to a great extent-
Exercise daily.
Consume more calcium.
Soak in the sun for Vitamin D.
Don't let vitamin K deficiency happen.
Reduce obesity
Choose plant estrogens.
Quit smoking and alcohol consumption.
release stress.
Do oil massage.
Include sesame seeds in your diet.
Get regular health checkups done.
What to eat in osteoporosis:
Along with treatment, a healthy diet can help strengthen your bones. To keep your bones healthy and strong, you need to include some essential nutrients in your daily diet. For this, calcium and vitamin D are most important. The body needs calcium to keep bones strong and vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium. Nutrients for healthy bones include protein, magnesium, vitamin K and zinc. Talk to your doctor about what you should include in your diet. A good dietician can design a healthy meal or diet plan for you.