Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become thin and become prone to painful fractures. It can be a silent disease, but many patients suffer symptoms such as pain and height loss and usually occurs when the creation of new bone cannot keep up with the removal of old bone. The bones become weak and brittle and are more likely to fracture.
A number of risk factors contribute to osteoporosis including aging, smoking, low body weight, low sex hormones, menopause and some medications. While women are especially at risk, children may also develop osteoporosis because of an underlying health condition. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, along with exercise and medications can help prevent and treat this condition.
What Are the Symptoms of Osteoporosis?
In most cases, the individual doesn’t realize he or she has osteoporosis until there is a fracture or injury. In some cases, the following symptoms may herald the onset of osteoporosis
- Backache
- A gradual loss of height with a stooped posture.
- Spine, wrist or hip fractures.
If there is severe back pain, it might be a sign of a spinal compression due to osteoporosis. A visit to the dentist and dental X-rays may also show bone loss in the jaw, which is a symptom of osteoporosis. When these happen it is time to see your doctor.
Osteoporosis and bone disease can be very painful, resulting in debilitating fractures. These injuries can have significant long-term consequences, and the person suffering from it experiences chronic pain and loss of height. This interferes with the daily routine, making it difficult to take care of themselves even with simple activities like dressing, bathing, walking, and doing things around the house.
How to cope with this condition? What is the emotional impact of osteoporosis? What about the functional and physical aspects?
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[…] in the bones to maintain normal blood concentrations. If this continues to happen, it leads to osteoporosis […]