Bone with Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, also known as the "Silent Disease", means porous bones. It is one of the country's fastest growing epidemics. It does not discriminate but affects men and women regardless of their age. It is a disease caused by a loss of bone mass (a loss of calcium to the bones), and as bones become weak and brittle, fractures may occur. Compression fractures of the spine can and do create stooped posture (hunched back).
One in two women and one in four men will experience an osteoporosis related fracture after the age of 50. By the end of the year 2005, the number of hip fractures in men equaled the number of women with hip fractures. And men are three times more likely than women to suffer complications or death from a hip fracture during the first year. Half of all men who suffer from a hip fracture are discharged to a nursing home. 79% of those who survive the first year remain in assisted living.
A bone mineral density (BMD) test is the procedure preferred by most doctors for the most accurate test results possible. The hip, neck, spine, and wrist are the concentrated areas for scanning.
Once diagnosed, a person may experience falls, fractures, life style changes, or the need for assistance with mobility depending on the severity of the disease as it progresses. And people may often experience these symptoms before ever being diagnosed. All too often after an injury has occurred, does the person later learn they have osteoporosis when seeing their doctor.
Estrogen deficiency can assist in the cause of osteoporosis as well as a lack of calcium intake. Body structure, heredity, and race are also contributing factors. Some factors can be controlled while others cannot.
People can take precautions. Exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise can prevent and slow down osteoporosis. A healthy diet is another form of helping yourself.
Making your home "fall safe" is one good way to prevent falls that may cause minor or major injuries. Those injuries could require treatment, surgery, hospitalization, and/or physical therapy.
Doctors can restrict lifestyles depending on the severity of the osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can be painful and debilitating. It can leave you permanently disabled. But with today's knowledge, your doctor has more options than ever before for treating you.
Healthy Bone