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| Osteoporosis |
Osteoporosis is a bone condition in which bones lose their density and become brittle. This bone weakening and the resulting complications are more common in women than in men. Among the most known causes of osteoporosis are the cessation of menstruation (menopause) which leads to hormonal changes, lack of calcium and vitamin D, and the presence of other diseases that cause bone weakness. The biggest danger for people with osteoporosis is cracking (fractures) in bones from injuries and falls. A malformed posture due to weakened bones and also crooked bones is common in people with osteoporosis. Hormone therapy, dietary supplements and a healthy lifestyle form the mainstay of treatment. If signs of the disease are detected early, bones can be prevented from further damage and the risk of fractures can be reduced.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis is difficult to detect in its early stages because there are no characteristic symptoms that could indicate a warning sign. Possible symptoms that may be experienced are very common and may be confused as an isolated incident of pain or stress. It is only when the disease is well advanced that there is a chance that people become aware and take notice. Very important symptoms of having osteoporosis include:
1. Chronic back pain, which is most noticeable when getting out of bed. The pain is usually worst when walking or standing. Severe, sudden back pain is another familiar symptom. Back pain can sometimes be very severe due to compression of the ligaments in the spine. These may, sometimes cause no symptoms.
2. The body starts losing flexibility while suffering from osteoporosis. Simple activities that include bending, twisting, and stretching are difficult or cause severe pain when performed.
3. Fractures are a known symptom of osteoporosis. Fractures, especially after minor falls and injuries, are an obvious symptom. The most common fracture places are the hip, spine and wrist. Simple everyday activities such as carrying bags, getting in and out of cars, and sitting on a low tool or chair can prove dangerous.
4. Osteoporosis tends to affect body composition. The person starts to lean and it is also observed that some people may lose height as a result of the disease.
5. Once a person loses weight, he may notice that the upper body begins to curve downward. This curvature of the spine, known as Dowager's Hump, weakens posture and makes the stoop very pronounced. This condition of curved spine is called kyphosis.
6. Another common symptom that can be seen on dental x-rays is bone loss in the jaw.
Prevention or Treatment of Osteoporosis:
A variety of treatments are available for osteoporosis. The most satisfactory treatment involves a combination of medical theraphies and lifestyle changes. Treatment always begins with a thorough investigation of the patient's history and an analysis of all possible factors that may have caused the disease. Doing this, the most appropriate method of treatment can be chosen.
Sodium fluoride:
it is the only known energy source that stimulates the cells that develop bone (osteoblastic cells) and helps in bone formation. In studies conducted where test subjects were given high doses of sodium fluoride, bone mineral density in their spines increased significantly. Vertebral fracture rates, however, were unchanged. It is an ideal treatment regimen for those who have mild or moderate osteoporosis. Another encouraging aspect of this therapy is, it doesn't have any side effects. What goes against this is that sodium fluoride treatment is still subject to FDA approval.
Calcium:
Calcium is one of the most commonly known minerals for bone health. The body is unable to make its own calcium, but it is depleted quite regularly, making dietary calcium intake essential. The incidence of calcium deficiency is increasing in humans, and a common cause of the increased incidence in the elderly is the tendency to develop an intolerance to lactose. The use of calcium supplements has been shown to stabilize skeletal bone mass (the amount of bone tissue within the skeleton), and a recommended daily dose may reduce the rate of bone loss.
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is important to increase the absorption of calcium in the body. Supplements are recommended for people with insufficient vitamin D levels as it helps prevent bone loss in the post-menopausal phase. It is important that dosage be carefully monitored as overuse can cause complications including nausea, hypercalcemia and kidney stones.
Exercise:
Exercise can be very beneficial when done under supervision and with a doctor's approval. Any exercise that focuses on strength training is recommended for people with osteoporosis. These include squats, push-ups, dumbbells and using resistance bands. Exercises help increase strength and make the body more flexible, improve coordination and also help increase bone density.
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