What Causes Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is the condition that describes the density of the bone. The lack of density causes the bone to be weak and vulnerable to fracture. The worsening condition results in a highly porous bone that can be compressed like a sponge. Osteopenia is the condition in its lesser form. Injuries that people with osteoporosis are more vulnerable to include fractures from cracking or complete collapse of the bone, affecting surrounding tissues and nerves, possibly physical functions. The spine, hips, ribs, and wrists are common sites that osteoporosis causes injury, but due to the loss of density in all bones, injury can occur anywhere in the body. It's these injuries that help diagnose a patient with osteoporosis. Most patients have no pre-warning symptoms of bone density loss. Most often they are diagnosed after a fracture has occurred, using an X-ray and other tests that measure bone density.

Who Gets Osteoporosis?

Genetics do play a role from some patients. However, there are many factors which play a role in the likelihood of getting osteoporosis . Some factors include:

• lack of exercise 
• lack of essential vitamins needed by bones (i.e. calcium and vitamin D) 
• cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption 
• low body weight. 
• history of rheumatoid arthritis   

Because those with small frames are more predisposed to the condition, women and people of Asian or Caucasian decent are more likely than others to develop osteoporosis.

Nutrition & Body Levels

On a deeper level, nutrition and hormone levels within the body play a key role in how osteoporosis develops in the body. Poor nutrition contributes to osteoporosis, but malabsorption can also be a factor. Those who have irritable bowel syndrome or other bowel diseases or celiac disease or other harmful food allergies have an increased risk of osteoporosis. Low estrogen levels in women and hormones (and also medication) that effects or onsets menopause, and low levels of testosterone in men can be responsible for the development of osteoporosis as well. Thyroid hormones and many other factors have played roles in the history of osteoporosis.

What are Some Symptoms of Osteoporosis?

As previously stated, most patients won't have any signs or symptoms until they experience a painful fracture or cracking of the bone. This doesn't have to be especially eventful. Patients can fracture their bones simply by walking or stepping off a curb. These are called stress fractures when they occur during normal daily activity, and they are not uncommon with those suffering from osteoporosis. Even the softest falls on the hip can fracture them and unfortunately, due to poor bone healing, don't often return to their previous state, even after surgery.

The Dangers of a Hip Fracture

The stats are staggering. Of those who experience hip fractures, 30% will need long term care following the fracture and 20% will die the year following the hip fracture. One fracture ups your chances of more frequent fractures and of being moved into a nursing home.

How to Prevent and Treat Osteoporosis

Fortunately, since there are so many contributing factors of osteoporosis, so is there prevention and treatment options. Early detection, like in any condition's treatment, is the best thing we can do to prevent further bone density loss and start implementing the things in our lifestyle that increase our strength. All women under 65 or are post-menopausal and are at risk for osteoporosis, women over 65, and post-menopausal women who've had fractures should be tested for osteoporosis.

What to do if Osteoporosis is Detected Early

After early detection, prevention is most important. Addressing common lifestyle choices that contribute to bone loss is a must. Changes that may help include:

• quit smoking and drinking in excess 
• exercise regularly 
• eat a balanced diet with the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D 

All these changes are needed to slow the process of osteoporosis and optimistically, diminish its existence altogether. Smoking alone can decrease bone mass by 5-10%. Exercise doesn't necessarily build bone mass, but it prevents injury by equipping you with balance and strength. Exercise like walking and yoga are suggested and are easier on those who already suffer osteoporosis.

Medications & Other Treatments

There are many medications that can be implemented in addition to lifestyle changes. The most effective FDA approved medications that address osteoporosis are called antiresorptive medications. These medications work to prevent further bone loss, giving favor to rebuilding bone mass. Another medication is called Bisphosphonates and directly addresses hip fractures. There are even medications that contain both. It's largely up to you and your doctor whether you are even a candidate in need of these types of medications. Hormone therapy is another option that might better suit the cause of your osteoporosis.