Bad to the Bone

By Ryan Cordry, DO, MBA with Medical West

Did you know that bone is a living tissue? It's true. During our lives, bone is being continually replaced by new bone. But what happens when you don't produce enough new bone to replace the old? Then you have osteoporosis.

In its most basic terms, osteoporosis is when you are losing density in your bones. This loss of density makes your bones more susceptible to breaking. It is the most common bone disease, and prevalent among women. Around 50 percent of all women over 50 years old will fracture a wrist, hip, or a vertebra.

If you've ever broken a bone, you know what a pain it is and how difficult it can make life. It causes you to adjust the way you do things - from not being able to hold a cup of coffee to wearing a boot or having to use a wheelchair.

Osteoporosis can have a major effect on how you live your life. It's important to know how you get it, and how you manage it so you can live comfortably. While there are occasions when bone loss occurs with no explanation, there are a several factors that can put a person more at risk.  

  

Risk Factors

 For women - a significant drop in estrogen (often triggered at menopause) and a long period of time without menstrual periods

 For men - a drop in testosterone

 A low body weight increases risk

 Smokers have a higher risk of osteoporosis

 Consuming heavy amounts of alcohol

 Osteoporosis presence in family history

 Some medications can reduce bone density

When it comes to risk, the older you are - the more likely. And older white women are at the top of the osteoporosis totem pole.

Diagnosing can be tough, as there are many times when people don't realize they have osteoporosis until they actually break a bone and it is discovered.

Often times a Dexa Scan (a bone mineral density test) will be conducted to gauge the density of your bones and how much bone loss is present. It can also help determine just how likely you are to break more bones.

Treatment of Osteoporosis

Lifestyle changes are often recommended. Diet and exercise can help maintain bone strength. Stopping smoking and drinking less alcohol may also be recommended.

Calcium and vitamin D. Milk does a body good? The right amount does. Calcium is an important mineral in bone formation. You could just be deficient here. Ask your doctor what the right amount of calcium is for you.

There are medications for osteoporosis that are often used when a deficiency in bone density is revealed. Depending on your sex and situation, your doctor will know best.

Hormonal replacement is also an option - estrogen or testosterone enhancements can get the body jolted back to a healthier bone production level.

Quick Tips to Prevent Falling, If You Have Osteoporosis

 Stay on stable ground - avoid icy sidewalks, slick surfaces

 Use the handles on stairs, to get out of bathtubs

 Leave a few lights on at night - if you can't see where you are going or what you are stepping on, you're asking for a problem

 Don't exercise or go on a walk alone - if you do fall, you need someone there to help

As stated above, osteoporosis is extremely prevalent. Do your best to live a lifestyle that puts your body at less risk. It's about living healthy to live happily.