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Osteoporosis - Osteoporosis symptom, treatment, causes

Osteoporosis is due to weakening of bones due to loss of both calcium content and structural framework, making them much more liable to break. Throughout life bone is a very active tissue, undergoing constant break-down and build-up to remodel the shape and strength of each bone as our bodies grow and our activities change. During adulthood the reproductive hormones (oestrogen in women and testos terone in men) are essential in maintaining the balance between bone breakdown and build-up. Exercise and adequate calcium and protein in the diet are also essential for healthy bones.

Osteoporosis, which means "porous bones," causes bones to become weak and brittle so brittle that even mild stresses like bending over, lifting a vacuum cleaner or coughing can cause a fracture. Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose minerals such as calcium, and the body cannot replace these minerals fast enough to keep the bones healthy. As a result, bones become thinner and less dense. Osteoporosis often was thought to be a condition that frail elderly women develop. However, the damage from osteoporosis begins much earlier in life. Because peak bone density is reached at approximately age 25 years, it is important to build strong bones by that age, so that the bones will remain strong later in life. Adequate calcium intake is an essential part of building strong bones.  In women, the rate of bone loss speeds up after menopause, when estrogen levels fall. Since the ovaries make estrogen, faster bone loss may also occur if both ovaries are removed by surgery. According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of osteoporosis among US white women past menopause is estimated to be 14% in those aged 50-59 years, 22% in those aged 60-69 years, 39% in those aged 70-79 years, and 70% in those aged 80 years and older. Significant risk has been reported in people of all ethnic backgrounds. White and Asian racial groups, however, are at a greater risk.

Osteoporosis is a condition that features loss of the normal density of bone and fragile bone. Osteoporosis is almost as common as high blood pressure, and is more common than high cholesterol. The most common sites of fracture are the bones of the spine, the hip and the wrist. The condition is quite serious because fractures can lead to pain, hospitalizations, surgery, disability and even death. Bones are made up mostly of proteins and minerals. Two minerals that are especially important in bone are calcium and phosphorus. Bones are living tissues and old bone cells are always being replaced by new ones. There are special cells that build up new bone (osteoblasts) while other cells (osteoclasts) break down the old bone. As people get older, their bodies don't replace all the bone that has been broken down, and bones tend to become weaker and more likely to break.

Causes of Osteoporosis

The common Causes of Osteoporosis :

• Some people with osteoporosis have other family members with it.  A higher risk of getting osteoporosis may be passed along through the family.
• Drinking too much alcohol, smoking or having too much caffeine can cause bone loss.  Coffee, tea and some sodas contain caffeine.
• Bones need exercise to stay strong.  If you do not exercise you may increase your risk of osteoporosis.
• Not eating foods rich in calcium, vitamin D and phosphorous (pronounced fahs-for-us) can also cause bone loss.
• Other illnesses or diseases, such over-active thyroid, diabetes and rheumatoid (pronounced room-a-toid) arthritis may also cause bone loss.

Symptom of Osteoporosis

Early osteoporosis usually causes no symptoms. As the disorder progresses there may be gradually increasing joint and muscle aches because the weakened bones are Jess able to support weight and movements, but often the first sign of advancing osteoporosis is a fracture resulting from a slight force that would not cause fracture in a younger person. The commonest sites of fracture due to osteoporosis are the hip, upper arm and wrist. Fractures in the spine are often of the insidious 'crush"type where small areas in the vertebral core collapse from time to time, resulting in the 'dowager's hump' so common in elderly women. Vertebral fractures can also occur very suddenly, causing severe pain that radiates around the trunk. Spinal fractures cannot be straightened and the bone sets in its crushed position, leaving the spine permanently curved and resulting in Joss of height, with pain and disability from distortion of posture. Some common Symptoms of Osteoporosis :

• Back pain, which can be severe if you have a fractured or collapsed vertebra .
• Fracture of the vertebrae, wrists, hips or other bones .
• Loss of height over time, with an accompanying stooped posture.

Diagnosis of Osteoporosis

X-rays and bone scans show reduced bone mass, but blood and other tests may be needed to exclude OSTEOMALACIA and other causes of bone demineralisation. Bone densitometry gives an accurate assessment of bone density and can detect early osteoporosis before X-ray changes can be seen. Densitometry may be suggested for women in middle age to detect those who are at increased risk of serious progression of osteoporosis, and to ensure that preventive measures are started early and maintained

Prevention and Treament of Osteoporosis

It is now clear that most osteoporosis can be prevented by exercise, adequate calcium in the diet, and HORMONE REPLACEMENTTHERAPY (HRT), if appropriate, for postmenopausal women.

• Ensure that you have enough in your diet, but your doctor may well also want you to take a supplement. The chewable or effervescent forms are absorbed better by the body than straight tablets.
• You may need quite strong pain killers (analgesics), for quite some time, in the event of an osteoporotic fracture.
• In women who are at the menopause, or experience it early (as in hysterectomy) your doctor is likely to discuss the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The relative merits and problems, in your particular instance, will need to be weighed up by you and your doctor.
• Fluoride is used in some countries, as it does appear to increase bone mass, but there does not appear to be strong evidence that it prevents fractures.
• This type of medication is used to arrest the progress of osteoporosis and even reverse it. They encourage the laying down of calcium in the bones. One of these is also used when people have to be on long term steroids.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Treatment of Osteoporosis