Osteoporosis

A debilitating disease that can be prevented and treated

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bonebreaks. These broken bones, also known as fractures, occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist. Any bone can be affected, but of special concern are fractures of the hip and spine. A hip fracture almost always requires hospitalization and major surgery. It can impair a person's ability to walk unassisted and may cause prolonged or permanent disability or even death. Spinal or vertebral Fractures also have serious consequences including loss of height, severe back. pain, and deformity

What causes Osteoporosis

Many factors will increase your risk of developing osteoporosis and suffering a fracture. Some of these risk factors can be changed, while others cannot. Recognizing your own risk factors is important so you can take steps to prevent this condition from developing or treat it before it becomes worse.

Major risk factors

• Older age (starting in the mid-30 but accelerating after 50 years of age)
• Non-Hispanic white and Asian ethnic background Small bone structure
• Family history of osteoporosis or osteoporosis related fracture in a parent or sibling.
• Previous fracture following a low-level trauma, especially after age 50
• Sex hormone deficiency, particularly estrogen deficiency, both in women (e.g. menopause) and men
• Anorexia nervosa
• Cigarette smoking
• Alcohol abuse
• Low dietary intake or absorption of calcium and vitamin D Sedentary lifestyle or immobility.