Osteoporosis Symptoms & Treatments

Osteoporosis:

Osteoporosis is a disease of bones that leads to an increased risk of fracture. In osteoporosis the bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced, bone microarchitecture is disrupted, and the amount and variety of proteins in bone is altered. Osteoporosis is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in women as a bone mineral density 2.5 standard deviations below peak bone mass (20-year-old healthy female average) as measured by DXA; the term “established osteoporosis” includes the presence of a fragility fracture.

Osteoporosis Symptoms & Types:

Osteoporosis often starts silently and may not be found until a bone fractures. But sometimes, symptoms appear. Learn about the types and symptoms of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis Symptoms:

Osteoporosis can be a silent disease, but many patients suffer symptoms such as pain and height loss. Read a brief description of osteoporosis symptoms.

Compression Fractures of the Back
Sudden, severe back pain, especially in older women, often signifies a spinal compression fracture — a sign of weak bones. So get that back pain checked out.

Osteoporosis Warning Signs:

• Osteopenia

Many people have thinned bones and don’t know it. Osteopenia is mildly thin bones that are heading towards osteoporosis. Learn more about how osteopenia is detected and treated.

Osteoporosis Types:

• Juvenile Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis rarely affects children. But when it does, it’s usually due to a medical condition or medication.

It’s a significant problem because it occurs during the child’s prime bone-building years. Those rare cases are called juvenile osteoporosis. Read about it in this brief article.

Osteoporosis Complications:

• Osteoporosis Pain

Bone fractures caused by osteoporosis can be very painful, & sometimes the pain and disability lasts for months.

Physical activity helps contribute to bone health. Read article on handling chronic pain.

Osteoporosis Treatment & Care:

• Osteoporosis treatments include the “basic CDE’s” — calcium(C), vitamin D (D), weight-bearing exercise (E), prevention of Falls (F), and bone-friendly medicines.
• Osteoporosis treatments come in several forms. Many should be started during childhood; others include prescription drugs to treat osteoporosis. Get an overview.
• If you suspect that you have signs or symptoms of osteoporosis or have risk factors for osteoporosis, see your doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
• Eating a diet rich in calcium is important for maintaining healthy bones. Good sources of calcium include milk and dairy products, such as hard cheese and yogurt, dried apricots or figs and some green leafy vegetables such as watercress and curly kale.
• Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis should aim to take 1,000mg of calcium every day, either in their diet or as a supplement. This can be obtained from 600ml of milk with either 50g of hard cheese (eg Cheddar or Edam), one pot of yogurt, or 50g of sardines.
  • Your body also needs vitamin D to absorb calcium properly.
  • Expose yourself to some sunlight and eat foods that are rich in Vitamin D.

Osteoporosis Exercise

• Weight-bearing exercise is often an option for osteoporosis patients, and it might even help your bones, as this article explains. Check with your doctor before starting a new fitness program.

Fosamax and Jaw Problems: Osteonecrosis

• Fosamax may be linked to “jaw death”  which is a condition of chronic pain and facial disfigurement.