Osteoporosis
Introduction
Osteoporosis is a condition that makes the bones to weaken and easily breakable. In extreme cases, osteoporosis can weaken the bones such that a mere mild fall or stress like a sneeze can result in a bone fracture. Bone fractures that are related to osteoporosis mostly occur around major joints such as the spine, hip, and or wrist. As bone is a living body tissue, it is regularly broken down and new tissue formed to replace it. Osteoporosis sets in when the replacement does not match the breakdown of old bone tissue.
Signs and symptoms
Unfortunately, osteoporosis cannot be identified at the early stages. However, if a patient is attacked by osteoporosis, the following signs can be seen.
- Severe and frequent back pain. This might be as a result of spine fracture or shrunken vertebra.
- Significant decrease in height in a period.
- Bending posture.
- Frequent bone fractures.
Causes
The major cause of osteoporosis is the failure of bone renewal to match the old bone breakdown. Children’s body has faster bone making capabilities than it does in breaking the old bones. As age increases, this process decelerates and maximum bone mass is reached around the age of 30. Chances of getting osteoporosis can likely depend on some part of the mass gained during the age of 30 and below. Other causes may include the following
- Inherent risks
Some conditions that increase the likelihood of getting osteoporosis cannot be controlled. These conditions are
- Women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis as compare to men.
- Your age. The elderly are at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis.
- White and Asian people develop this condition more than any other race.
- If there was a case of osteoporosis in your family, then you are at a higher risk of developing this condition.
- The frame size of the body. People with small bodies are at a greater risk of getting osteoporosis. This is because they probably have small bone mass they can pull from when aging.
- The levels of hormones
People who have too high or too low levels of certain hormones are at a higher risk of getting osteoporosis. Some of these situations include
- Sex hormones. Low levels of sex hormones can weaken the bones. For instance, loss of estrogen at menopause in women is a major risk for getting osteoporosis.
- Thyroid problems. Increased thyroid hormones weaken the bones. This may result from overactive thyroid or medication for an underactive thyroid.
- Overactive parathyroid and adrenal have a close association with osteoporosis.
- Dietary factors
People who have a low intake of calcium are at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis. This is because a lack of calcium for a long time contributes to decreasing the density of the bones, loss of bones at an early stage, and high chances of fractures. Extreme refusal of eating and underweight plays a significant role in weakening the bones. Gastrointestinal surgeries done to reduce stomach size or actual removal of intestine parts decreases the surface area for the absorption of nutrients like calcium.
Prevention
Proteins play a major role in bone formation, although there is inconclusive research of effects protein intake on the density of the bone. Taking a protein-rich diet will help in the provision of needed protein during bone formation. This will ensure renewed bone are even stronger. The underweight body raises the risk of bone loss. On the other hand, overweight increases the chances of bone fracture. Having fit bodyweight is crucial to maintain bone safety, as well as for the health in general. This can be achieved by regular exercises, calcium, and vitamin D intake.
Conclusion
Osteoporosis has no known cure. However, there are treatments aimed at managing this condition. Some researches suggest the use of stem cell therapy to treat osteoporosis. This condition comes along with complications. Since it weakens the bones, fractures are frequent and due to age recovery period is longer. As a result, there is constant pain as spine bones start to collapse. People apprehensive that they might develop osteoporosis are supposed to seek doctor’s attention and screening.