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Osteoporosis

A medical condition called osteoporosis weakens bones, making them brittle and more likely to break. When a bone breaks due to a fall or other violent impact, it often takes years to develop slowly, making diagnosis difficult (fracture).

The following injuries are most typical:

  • Twisted wrist
  • Damaged hip (hip fracture)
  • Fractured vertebrae in the spine

Symptoms

Early phases of bone loss may have no symptoms. However, once you have osteoporosis,

You might experience the following indications and symptoms:

  • Vertebral fracture or collapse resulting in back pain
  • Height decline over time
  • A hunched position
  • A bone that fractures far more quickly than anticipated

Whenever to visit a doctor

If you experienced early menopause, took corticosteroids for an extended period, or if one or both of your parents experienced hip fractures, you might want to discuss osteoporosis with your doctor.

Symptoms

Osteoporosis causes 

Your bone mass increases when you’re young because your body produces new bone more quickly than it destroys old bone. 

The majority of people reach their bone’s peak mass by age 30; after this process slows down in their early 20s. Bone mass decreases more quickly with aging.

How much bone mass you had when you were young affects how likely you would develop osteoporosis. Peak bone mass varies and is partially hereditary. As you age, your likelihood of osteoporosis decreases directly to your peak bone mass, which measures how much bone you have “in the bank.”

Preventing Osteoporosis

Maintaining solid bones requires a nutritious diet and regular exercise for the duration of your life.

  • Daily activity to maintain the most robust possible bones
  • A Healthful diet that includes calcium- and vitamin-rich foods
  • Taking a daily vitamin D pill containing ten micrograms
  • Changing your way of life, such as quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol

Diagnosing and treatment 

If the doctor suspects you have osteoporosis, they may also refer you for a bone density scan to measure your bone strength. Your bone density is comparable to a young adult in good health.

The difference is a standard deviation (SD), called a T score. 

A T score of:

  • Above -1 SD, normal
  • Osteopenia indicates a bone loss that is between -1 and -2.5 SD
  • Osteoporosis shows bone loss by an index of less than -2.5

The cornerstone of osteoporosis treatment is the management of broken bones, their prevention, and the use of bone-strengthening medications.

The probability that you will break a bone in the future will determine whether you need treatment.

Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022