Compression fractures – Mayo Clinic

The bones that make up your spine (vertebrae) can weaken to the point that they crumple and collapse, which may result in back pain, lost height and a hunched posture.

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Osteoporosis and Low Bone Mass

Do you know that building strong bones is a lifestyle commitment?

The more you know about diet, exercise, and your family genes, the stronger your bones can become.

• Bone is a living tissue that breaks down and rebuilds itself.
• Calcium makes bone dense (hard and strong).
• Some families have denser bones than others. Your family genes help determine your peak bone mass, which is the greatest amount of bone you will ever have.
• Up until young adulthood, you form new bone faster than you lose old bone. By 25 years, you reach peak bone mass.
• Achieving a greater peak bone mass will increase the “bank” of calcium that your body may draw on throughout your life. If your body uses more calcium than what is available in your bones, your bone density may shrink and your bones may become thinner and weaker. This is why it’s important for children to be active and to eat healthy foods to develop strong bones.

What is the difference between osteoporosis and low bone mass?

• Osteoporosis is a bone-thinning disease. It causes your bones to become thin and weak. They are at greater risk for breaking. A broken bone may happen even from falling from a standing position.
• Osteopenia (low bone mass) is not a disease. A person may have low bone mass at any age but not develop osteoporosis. However, if a person has low bone mass and continues to lose bone density, this may lead to osteoporosis. A combination of low bone mass and a risk factor for fracture may increase your risk for broken bones, too.
• Osteoporosis and broken bones do not need to be a normal part of aging. You can help have stronger bones later in life by eating healthy and staying physically fit especially up to age 25. While bone loss is expected as we age, the rate of loss varies among people. Bone loss can be impacted by family genes and lifestyle choices.

How is osteoporosis and low bone mass diagnosed?

You cannot see or feel your bones thinning or growing weaker. Health care providers use a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test to evaluate if you have osteoporosis and bone density issues. The BMD test determines the calcium and phosphorus in your bones. The BMD test is recommended if:

• Women or men who have broken bones, with or without trauma after age 50
• All women 65 and older
• All men 70 and older
• Women younger than 65 who have reached menopause and have risk factors for osteoporosis
• Men age 50 to 69 with risk factors for osteoporosis

BMD testing uses a low dose X-ray of the hip and spine. The X-ray is quick, painless and measures the density or thickness of your bones.

BMD testing provides a T-score that compares your bone density to the average bone density of young healthy adults of same age and gender.

T-score	Interpretation
>-1.0	Normal Bone Density
Between -1. 0 and -2.5	Low Bone Mass (Osteopenia)
-2.5 and below	Osteoporosis

How can I have strong bones if I have low bone mass or osteoporosis?

You can make lifestyle choices that promote strong bones at any age:

• Eat a nutrient-rich diet. Nutrient-rich foods are low in sugar, sodium, starches, and bad fats. Healthy food choices include: fruits and vegetables, lean meat, fish, whole grains, dairy, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
• Try and get your calcium through foods. Add a supplement only if necessary.
• Get the recommended amount of vitamin D. For many people, this often requires a supplement.
• Be physically active every day. Consider regular exercise, such as strength training, yoga, walking, recreational sports, and dancing.
• Don’t smoke and quit if you do.
• Limit drinking alcohol.
• Improve your strength, flexibility, and balance to prevent falls.
• Make your home safe to prevent falls. Consider removing scatter rugs and installing grip bars in the shower.
• Discuss your bone health with your health care provider.

Are there medications and treatments for osteoporosis or low bone mass?

• If your BMD test confirms you have osteoporosis, your health care provider may prescribe a medication. Low bone mass needs to be watched, but often does not need to be treated. If you have low bone mass along with a bone fracture or any significant risk for osteoporosis, your health care provider may recommend a medication.
• Many FDA-approved medications may reduce bone loss and fracture, as well as increase bone density. Discuss all of the potential benefits and risks before taking any osteoporosis medication with your health care provider.
• Repeating the BMD tests may be one way to monitor how your bones have responded to treatment. Your health care provider may also use blood tests to monitor the efectiveness of the treatments.

NYSOPEP Resource Center

Helen Hayes Hospital
West Haverstraw, NY
(845) 786-4772
www.NYSOPEP.org

Osteoporosis | National Institute on Aging

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones to the point where they break easily—most often, bones in the hip, backbone (spine), and wrist. Osteoporosis is called a “silent disease” because you may not notice any changes until a bone breaks. All the while, though, your bones had been losing strength for many years.

Bone is living tissue. To keep bones strong, your body breaks down old bone and replaces it with new bone tissue. Sometime around age 30, bone mass stops increasing, and the goal for bone health is to keep as much bone as possible for as long as you can. As people enter their 40s and 50s, more bone may be broken down than is replaced.

A close look at the inside of bone shows something like a honeycomb. When you have osteoporosis, the spaces in this honeycomb grow larger, and the bone that forms the honeycomb gets smaller. The outer shell of your bones also gets thinner. All of this makes your bones weaker.

Who Has Osteoporosis? Risk Factors and Causes

Although osteoporosis can strike at any age, it is most common among older people, especially older women. Men also have this disease. White and Asian women are most likely to have osteoporosis. Other women at great risk include those who:

• Have a family history of broken bones or osteoporosis
• Have broken a bone after age 50
• Had surgery to remove their ovaries before their periods stopped
• Had early menopause
• Have not gotten enough calcium and/or vitamin D throughout their lives
• Had extended bed rest or were physically inactive
• Smoke (smokers may absorb less calcium from their diets)
• Take certain medications, including medicines for arthritis and asthma and some cancer drugs
• Used certain medicines for a long time
• Have a small body frame

The risk of osteoporosis grows as you get older. At the time of menopause, women may lose bone quickly for several years. After that, the loss slows down but continues. In men, the loss of bone mass is slower. But, by age 65 or 70, men and women are losing bone at the same rate.

What Is Osteopenia?

Whether your doctor calls it osteopenia or low bone mass, consider it a warning. Bone loss has started, but you can still take action to keep your bones strong and maybe prevent osteoporosis later in life. That way you will be less likely to break a wrist, hip, or vertebrae (bone in your spine) when you are older.

Can My Bones Be Tested?

For some people, the first sign of osteoporosis is to realize they are getting shorter or to break a bone easily. Don’t wait until that happens to see if you have osteoporosis. You can have a bone density test to find out how strong your bones are.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women aged 65 and older be screened (tested) for osteoporosis, as well as women under age 65 who are at increased risk for an osteoporosis-related fracture.

A bone mineral density test compares your bone density to the bones of an average healthy young adult. The test result, known as a T-score, tells you how strong your bones are, whether you have osteoporosis or osteopenia, and your risk for having a fracture.

How Can I Keep My Bones Strong? Preventing Osteoporosis

There are things you should do at any age to prevent weakened bones. Eating foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D is important. So is regular weight-bearing exercise, such as weight training, walking, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs, tennis, and dancing.

If you have osteoporosis, avoid activities that involve twisting your spine or bending forward from the waist, such as conventional sit-ups, toe touches, or swinging a golf club. 

Those are the best ways to keep your bones strong and healthy. Learn more about keeping your bones strong to prevent falls.

What Can I Do for My Osteoporosis?

Treating osteoporosis means stopping the bone loss and rebuilding bone to prevent breaks. Healthy lifestyle choices such as proper diet, exercise, and medications can help prevent further bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures.

But, lifestyle changes may not be enough if you have lost a lot of bone density. There are also several medicines to think about. Some will slow your bone loss, and others can help rebuild bone. Talk with your doctor to see if medicines might work to treat your osteoporosis.

In addition, you’ll want to learn how to fall-proof your home and change your lifestyle to avoid fracturing fragile bones.

Can I Avoid Falling?

When your bones are weak, a simple fall can cause a broken bone. This can mean a trip to the hospital and maybe surgery. It might also mean being laid up for a long time, especially in the case of a hip fracture. So, it is important to prevent falls. Learn how to prevent falls.

Do Men Have Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is not just a woman’s disease. Not as many men have it as women do, maybe because most men start with more bone density. As they age, men lose bone density more slowly than women. But, men need to be aware of osteoporosis.

Experts don’t know as much about this disease in men as they do in women. However, many of the things that put men at risk are the same as those for women, including family history, not enough calcium or vitamin D, and too little exercise. Low levels of testosterone, too much alcohol, taking certain drugs, and smoking are other risk factors.

Older men who break a bone easily or are at risk for osteoporosis should talk with their doctors about testing and treatment.

For more information about osteoporosis, visit the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

For More Information on Osteoporosis

National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center
800-624-2663 (toll-free)                
202-466-4315 (TTY)
[email protected]
www. bones.nih.gov

This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.

Content reviewed:
June 26, 2017

What Is It, Prevention, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Overview

What is osteopenia?

Osteopenia is a loss of bone mineral density (BMD). Lower BMD indicates you have fewer minerals in your bones than you should, which makes bones weaker.

What’s the difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis?

Osteopenia isn’t as severe as osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones so much that they can break more easily. Not everyone with osteopenia develops osteoporosis, but it can happen. People with osteopenia should try to strengthen and protect their bones. And their healthcare providers should monitor their bone mineral density.

How common is osteopenia?

Osteopenia is a common condition, affecting about 34 million Americans. It’s especially common among:

• All people older than 50 years.
• People with poor nutrition.
• Women after menopause.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes osteopenia?

Bones are made of living tissue. Up until about age 30, a healthy person builds more bone than he or she loses. But after age 35, bones begin to break down faster than they build up. Even in a healthy person, bone density decreases throughout life, by less than 1 percent per year.

Some things can make bone loss happen more quickly, leading to osteopenia, such as:

• Medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism.
• Medications such as prednisone and some treatments for cancer, heartburn, high blood pressure and seizures.
• Hormonal changes during menopause.
• Poor nutrition, especially a diet too low in calcium or vitamin D.
• Surgery on the gastrointestinal system, which can affect the body’s ability to absorb needed nutrients and minerals.
• Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol or caffeine, and not exercising.

What are the symptoms of osteopenia?

Osteopenia usually doesn’t cause any signs or symptoms until it progresses to osteoporosis. Rarely, some people with osteopenia may experience bone pain or weakness. The condition is usually detected when a person has a BMD screening.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is bone loss diagnosed?

To diagnose low bone mineral density, a healthcare provider will:

• Ask questions about your family’s medical history, particularly osteoporosis.
• Ask questions about your personal medical history, including medications you’ve taken, medical conditions you’ve had, lifestyle choices you’ve made, etc.
• Conduct a physical examination.
• Order a bone density test.

Bone density is measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). DEXA is a quick and painless imaging test that uses X-rays to determine whether you have healthy bones, osteopenia or osteoporosis. It provides a score called a T-score:

• +1 to –1 indicates normal bone density.
• –1 to –2.5 indicates osteopenia.
• –2.5 or lower means osteoporosis.

DEXA gives healthcare providers a “baseline measurement.” That means they can compare the current test results to future results to determine whether bone density decreases over time.

Management and Treatment

How are osteopenic bones treated?

There’s no cure for osteopenia, but it’s important to preserve bone density as much as possible. Treatment involves simple strategies to keep your bones as healthy and strong as possible and prevent progression to osteoporosis:

Your healthcare provider will also want to monitor your bone density over time in case you develop osteoporosis.

Prevention

What can I do to prevent bone loss?

Several strategies can help you maintain bone strength and prevent bone loss:

• Avoid smoking.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, calcium and vitamins.
• Exercise every day. Walking, jogging and other activities that make you bear your own weight are particularly helpful, as is weight training.
• Get at least 1,200 mg of calcium daily.
• Get at least 800 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily.
• Go outside for exposure to the sun, which helps your body absorb vitamin D into the bloodstream.
• Limit alcohol.

Outlook / Prognosis

What is the outlook for people with osteopenia?

If you’re diagnosed with osteopenia, you will need regular bone density tests to monitor bone health, usually every two to three years.

Not everyone with osteopenia develops osteoporosis. Changes to your lifestyle can keep bone loss to a minimum. For those who do develop osteoporosis, some treatments can help protect and strengthen the bones.

Living With

How do I take care of myself with osteopenia?

Falls are the leading cause of fractures in people with low bone density. Besides making healthy lifestyle choices to maintain bone density, it’s important to prevent falls. Precautions may include:

• Make sure your home has ample lighting.
• Put railings on stairs and in showers.
• Remove any tripping hazards (for example, small furniture, rugs that turn up at the corners, items that are out of place).
• Treat slippery surfaces immediately, such as spills, ice and snow.
• Use nonskid rugs on floors.

When should I talk to my healthcare provider about bone density?

Talk to your healthcare provider about a bone density test if you:

• Fracture a bone, especially doing something that might not normally be expected to cause serious injury.
• Have bone pain.
• Have risk factors for bone loss.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Osteopenia is a loss of bone mineral density (BMD). The condition doesn’t usually have any signs or symptoms until it progresses to osteoporosis. If you have any risk factors for osteopenia, talk to your doctor about screening for low BMD. Lifestyle choices and some treatments can help slow bone loss.

Warning Signs of Osteoporosis – 4 Possible Signs of the “Silent Disease”

One of the most troubling parts about osteoporosis is that it is often considered a “silent disease” in its early stages—you may not realize that you have the condition until you suffer from a bone fracture or break. You may be experiencing bone loss slowly over time without any indication that it is happening.

A diet rich in vitamin D and key minerals and daily walking or other physical activity will help keep your bones strong and reduce your risk of fractures. Photo: edwardolive @ istock

Because of this, it is important to practice healthy bone behaviors, including those outlined in this Patients’ Guide, even if you do not have any symptoms of osteoporosis. You can reduce your risk factors for the condition and better prepare yourself if you do eventually develop osteoporosis by taking proactive steps to:

• improve your diet by incorporating more calcium, vitamin D, and other bone-friendly nutrients,
• create an osteoporosis prevention exercise regimen that incorporates strength-training and weight-bearing exercise,
• and open up a dialogue with your doctor about osteoporosis.  

There are, however, a few warning signs that may indicate low bone mineral density and a heightened risk for developing osteoporosis. If you have any of the symptoms or conditions below, talk to your doctor about steps you can take to strengthen and protect your bones.

1. Low bone density: Low bow density (which is sometimes called “osteopenia”) refers to a condition in which your bone density is lower than average, but not low enough to be considered osteoporosis. Low bone density does not guarantee that you will have osteoporosis in the future; in fact, for some people, the condition is completely normal. However, it does mean that if you do begin to lose bone, you may be more likely to suffer from fractures or breaks since you have less bone to lose than other people.
    
2. Bones that easily fracture: Bone fractures and breaks are often the earliest signs that people experience of osteoporosis. Since your bones have less strength, you are more likely to experience serious bone injuries if you suffer from a fall, or experience other bone trauma. If you find that your bones fracture easily, talk to you doctor about a bone density test which can determine whether or not your frequent bone trauma is a result of osteoporosis.  
    
3. Poor posture or a “widow’s hump”: Compression fractures in the vertebrae, the bones in your spine, are more common in people with osteoporosis (the weakened bones can fracture under normal pressure, such as the effort it takes to open a window, or lift something). This can lead to problems with your posture, or the appearance of a “widow’s hump”—a curvature in the spine near the shoulders.
    
4. Having an immediate relative with osteoporosis: Your risk of having osteoporosis goes up if you have a close family member with the condition.

In its earliest stages, osteoporosis often shows no symptoms. However, low bone density in osteopenia, frequent fractures, and problems with your posture can all be signs of osteoporosis. If you think you might have osteoporosis, talk to your doctor about how to obtain an accurate diagnosis, and about treatment options that can improve both your bone health and your quality of life.  

Updated on: 10/07/19

Pediatric Osteoporosis – Conditions – Pediatric Bone Health Program – Endocrinology – Golisano Children’s Hospital

Pediatric Osteoporosis

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones are weak and likely to fracture. Although
much more common in older adults, especially women during and after menopause, osteoporosis
can also occur during childhood. The definition of diagnosis of osteoporosis in childhood
is different than in adults and is based on a history of fractures AND low bone mineral
density on DXA bone density test. Most often, osteoporosis during childhood is caused
by an underlying medical condition (called secondary osteoporosis) or a genetic disorder
(such as osteogenesis imperfecta). Sometimes, no cause can be found and the disease
is categorized as a rare form of osteoporosis, called idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis
(IJO).

What causes osteoporosis in children?

In children, the following medical conditions or medications can lead to osteoporosis.

Secondary osteoporosis

These are caused by an underlying medical condition:

• Chronic inflammatory disease like Crohn’s disease or juvenile arthritis

• Prematurity

• Cerebral palsy

• Malabsorption syndromes

• Liver disease like biliary atresia

• Osteogenesis imperfecta

• Metabolic conditions like homocystinuria or lysosomal disease

• Type 1 diabetes

• Cancer

• Hyperparathyroidism

• Cushing’s syndrome

• Anorexia nervosa

• Kidney disease

Medicines

Osteoporosis can also be caused by the following medications:

Lifestyle

• Excessive inactivity or immobility

• Dietary calcium and vitamin D deficiency

• Excessive exercising leading to energy imbalance and weight loss

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis in children?

You should be concerned that your child might have osteoporosis if he or she has had
multiple fractures or any fracture that occurred in the absence of trauma (for example,
tripping over a curb and breaking a leg).

How is juvenile osteoporosis diagnosed?

The diagnosis of osteoporosis in children requires a history of fractures and in most
cases a finding of low bone mineral density on a DXA scan.

• Review of medical history, medications, and family medical history

• Skeletal X-rays. A diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images
  of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.

• DXA scan. A diagnostic procedure to determine bone mineral density

• Blood and urine tests. Tests to measure calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and hormones.

Treatment for osteoporosis in children

All children with osteoporosis will be evaluated to make sure they are receiving enough
calcium and vitamin D in their diet and to be sure they are getting enough weight
bearing exercise. In most cases, children with osteoporosis will be treated with a
type of medication called bisphosphonates. These medications work to improve bone
density and thereby strengthen bones.

• Nutrition evaluation and supplementation with calcium and vitamin D, if necessary

• Physical therapy evaluation and recommendation for weight bearing exercises such as
  walking or time in a stander

• Bisphosphonates. Names of bisphosphonates commonly include “zoledronic acid,” “pamidronate,”
  and “alendronate”

Online Medical Reviewers:

• David Weber, MD, MSCE
• MMI board-certified, academically affiliated clinician
• Turley, Ray, BSN, MSN

How to Treat Osteopenia | Orlando

Osteopenia is a condition that describes a lack of mineral density in the bones. ‘Osteo’ means “related to bones”, and ‘penia’, means “to lack or have a deficiency”. 

This condition is essentially the preliminary form of osteoporosis and indicates low bone mineral density (BMD)—the total bone mineral composition of a person’s bones. When osteopenia is present, the body is absorbing bone matter quicker than it’s generating new bone matter. 

Rapid or irregular absorption of bone matter causes weak, brittle, thinning bones that are prone to fractures, breaks, and injuries. 

The Difference Between Osteopenia and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is essentially the progressed form of osteopenia. Bone loss and bone degeneration happen at a much quicker rate when osteoporosis is present, as opposed to osteopenia. While a person is susceptible to breaking or fracturing a bone with an osteopenia condition, a person is at a considerably higher risk of injuring a bone with osteoporosis.

About 18 million Americans have osteopenia, but more than 200 million people are estimated to have osteoporosis—and many people don’t even know it! (Both osteopenia and osteoporosis don’t necessarily show symptoms until they experience bone fractures or breaks. More than half of these injuries are painless, and go unnoticed!)

How to Identify Osteopenia

To determine whether a person’s bone density is within a healthy range, a person may complete a bone density test. This test will produce a “T-Score”, which identifies the standard deviation, or difference, between your bone mass and the bone mass of a healthy person. 

• A T-score of -1.0 or higher indicates normal bone density. 
• A T-Score score between -1.0 and -2.5 indicates low bone density—osteopenia.
• A T-score of -2.5 or less indicates porous bone that is highly susceptible to fractures—osteoporosis.

Who is affected by osteopenia?

• People who are over the age of 50 are at a higher risk of developing osteopenia. While it is rare for younger people to have osteopenia, there is a ‘juvenile osteopenia’ that affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. 

• People who have a family history of osteopenia are also at a greater risk of developing this condition. People who have naturally smaller bones, specifically Caucasian and Asian women, are at a higher risk of developing osteopenia. 

• The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) says that women over the age of 65, men over the over of 70, women who are post-menopausal, people who have fractured or injured a bone after the age of 50, and people who have rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk of being affected by osteopenia. 

Though osteoporosis is considered the more severe form of osteopenia, osteopenia can be just as dangerous as osteoporosis when combined with other risk factors, such as smoking, a low-calcium diet, lack of vitamin D, hormonal changes due to age (especially menopause), and the presence of autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

When should a person be treated for osteopenia?

Whether a person should be treated for osteopenia or not depends on a few factors, including sex, age, overall quality of health, and bone density levels. It’s difficult to determine whether a person should be treated for osteopenia without an assessment from an experienced rheumatologist, like Dr. Maria Farooq. 

People who are experiencing serious symptoms of osteopenia, like back pain and poor posture, should be treated for this condition. People who have fractured a bone, have had cancer (especially breast cancer or prostate cancer), or have a condition that places them at a higher risk of falling (like epilepsy or other seizure disorders), should be treated for osteopenia. 

When treatment is completed during the earliest stages of osteopenia, it’s possible to slow the progression of this condition or stop its progression altogether. 

If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of osteopenia, it’s important that you schedule an appointment at our UCF Rheumatology Services department so we can assess your condition, and discuss potential treatments if necessary. The earlier we can detect osteopenia, the greater our chances are of preventing future bone loss.

Symptoms of Osteopenia

Osteopenia does not have any apparent symptoms. Without undergoing an x-ray or test to determine bone density levels, it can be difficult to tell whether this condition is present.

• Bones fracture easily: A person who has osteopenia may fracture bones very easily, as bone density is low, causing bones to be considerably more weak or thin. (These recurring fractures make a person more susceptible to the progression of osteopenia.) Some bone fractures aren’t painful, and many people with osteopenia fracture their bones without even realizing it!  
• Back pain: Back pain is common in people who have osteopenia because the spine loses its bone density, which makes it more difficult to support the body. Without strong spine support, the body struggles to hold itself up to walk or to sit in an upright position.
• Height loss and stooped posture: As the bones lose density, it becomes easier for the spine to break or fracture. Many people aren’t aware of these breaks or fractures, because 66% of them are painless! These breaks and fractures can cause a stooped posture and gradual height loss, as the spine starts to curve when it’s not supporting the body properly. 

. 

How does osteopenia inhibit regular activity?

Osteopenia is considered a chronic condition, but it affects everyone differently. While some people with osteopenia may struggle to complete daily tasks without experiencing intense back pain or injuring a bone, other people don’t even realize they have this condition. 

This condition typically goes unnoticed until it progresses and causes apparent problems. As osteopenia progresses, a person may struggle to complete physical tasks, stand for periods of time, and hold the body upright. This can limit a person’s ability to work, drive, and exercise, which can make daily life considerably more difficult. 

If osteopenia progresses to osteoporosis, it’s important to alter your lifestyle to avoid damaging your bones further. People with osteoporosis must be cautious of falling (avoiding icy or slippery walkways, wearing supportive shoes), must mitigate unhealthy habits (drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco), and must commit to a healthy lifestyle (eating nutrient-dense food, limiting sodium intake).

There are various treatment methods (medications, hormone replacement therapy, healthy lifestyle changes) that are commonly used to protect bone mass, slow the progression of osteopenia, alleviate related symptoms, and prevent the development of osteoporosis. 

Medications

Bisphosphonates are the most common medications prescribed to prevent osteopenia. These medications work to curb the body’s natural process of breaking down bone. Because osteopenia is caused by a rapid loss of bone that surpasses the generation of bone, bisphosphonates are effective measures for preventing osteopenia or slowing down its progression. 

Common bisphosphonate medications include alendronic acid (Fosamax), ibandronic acid (Boniva), risedronic acid (Actonel), and zoledronic acid (Reclast), and are typically taken or injected anywhere from once a week to once a month.  

Other medications for osteopenia include Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMS) and denosumab. SERMS are used in post-menopausal women to disrupt estrogen activity, which prevents further bone loss. 

Denosumab medications are typically used for people who have cancer. These medications consist of monoclonal antibodies that inhibit the production of osteoclasts (the cells that cause the bones to degenerate). 

Calcitonin is an artificially-replicated hormone that alters the body’s process for reabsorbing the bone. This medication also helps to regulate bone metabolism, which decreases the rate of bone loss and balances the rate of bone regeneration. Calcitonin can be used as a nasal spray or as an injection.

*Side Effects of Osteopenia Medications: 

Bisphosphonate medications that are ingested orally can cause heartburn and esophageal irritation. Medications that are injected can cause flu-like symptoms. Common side effects also include abdominal pain, arthralgia, and ostealgia.

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMS) have an estrogen-like effect on the body, but they are not considered a hormonal replacement therapy method. These medications can cause hot flashes, excessive sweating, and joint pain.

Denosumab medications can cause flu-like symptoms, irritable bowel, bladder infections, muscle and back pain, and an increased risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (exposure of the jaw bone due to a lack of blood flow).

Calcitonin has been known to cause nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, as well as swelling and redness at the injection site. 

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also known as menopausal hormone therapy and postmenopausal hormone therapy, is a medication that contains female hormones. This treatment method is often used to alleviate unpleasant symptoms associated with menopause. Because menopausal women are at a higher risk of developing osteopenia and studies have shown that estrogen can prevent bone loss in women, HRT was once considered a cure-all for osteoporosis and osteopenia in women.  

As studies on HRT have shown severe side effects, like increased risk of heart disease, breast cancer, and strokes, this method is considered a very risky treatment option. 

The side effects associated with osteopenia medications are considerable. Over the years, more side effects have come to light, and the question of whether these treatments are worth it has been up for debate. Whether the side effects are worth the treatment is up to you and your doctor.

It’s important to weigh your treatment options, educate yourself on the side effects, and consider the severity of your condition before beginning a new medication.

Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Living a healthy lifestyle is key to preventing osteopenia from developing, or slowing its progression to prevent osteoporosis. 

• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vitamin D
• Limit alcohol intake
• Exercise regularly with weight-bearing exercises (lifting weights, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs)

For people who have osteopenia, there are ways to manage this condition and lessen the symptoms.

• Increase calcium and vitamin D intake
• Do not smoke
• Limit alcohol intake
• Limit caffeine intake
• Take measures to prevent falling (with low bone density, falls can result in fractured or broken bones fairly easily)

We advise you to take preventative measures no matter your age or number of risk factors! It’s a great idea to increase your nutrient intake, get more exercise, and limit unhealthy habits, regardless of your physical vulnerability. 

The best treatment method for osteopenia will vary for each person. Depending on the severity of the condition, your age, sex, and lifestyle habits, our rheumatologist, Dr. Maria Farooq, will help you to create a treatment plan that suits you, supports strong bones, and minimizes your symptoms.

Sources: 

https://www.medicinenet.com/osteopenia/article.htm

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6028/esterified-estrogens-oral/details

https://www. drugs.com/prolia.html

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-11930/calcitonin-salmon-injection/details#:~:text=Nausea%2C%20abdominal%20pain%2C%20diarrhea%2C,of%20appetite%20may%20also%20occur.

90,000 What are the causes of low bone density?

Low bone density may be associated with aging, disease, environmental factors and lifestyle. Patients at risk of developing low bone density are usually easily identifiable, which allows the doctor to recommend steps to prevent bone loss and restore bone. These prevention and treatment measures can include gentle exercise, dietary changes, and some lifestyle changes, depending on why the patient is considered to be at risk.

In women, low estrogen levels can cause a decrease in bone density. Young female athletes can be at risk because they are often thin and low in body weight. Older postmenopausal women are also anxiety-provoking because their hormone levels change with menopause. Hormone disorders and high levels of corticosteroids in the body can also cause decreased bone density, especially in women.

Exposure to radiation is another risk factor.This is most often of concern to astronauts, as despite the shielding, radiation levels are high when astronauts are working in space. Astronauts are regularly screened for signs of low bone density, and their time in space is limited to reduce the risk of permanent radiation-related damage. People who work in an environment where radiation is present are also monitored for high radiation exposure.

People who are thin and of white or Asian descent are at risk for low density.Lifestyle reasons for low bone density include limited exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Diet is also a factor. Eating disorders and malnutrition make it difficult to form and maintain bones. Additionally, certain medications may be associated with loss of bone density.

As people age, their bones break down faster than the body can repair them. This process can be accelerated in some types of musculoskeletal disorders.People who experience bone and joint pain, muscle weakness, and fatigue may need to be screened for bone disease. If low bone density is the problem, nutritional supplements and physical therapy sessions may be advised to maintain bone strength and restore bone over time.

Loss of bone density is a serious problem. Patients are at increased risk of serious fractures, especially in large bones such as the hip, and it will take longer to heal after a fracture.Bone pain and weakness may also occur, making it difficult for daily activities and limiting range of motion.

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90,000 Osteoporosis is not a sentence today – DZM

On World Osteoporosis Day (October 20), “Moscow Medicine” talked about this disease with the chief freelance specialist – rheumatologist of the Moscow Department of Health, Evgeny Zhilyaev.

Osteoporosis is a disease of bone tissue, when, due to a decrease in its density, increased bone fragility is observed.

– Evgeny Valerievich, it is believed that osteoporosis most often occurs in women. This is true?

– There is no definite answer to this question. Osteoporosis in women begins to develop earlier than in men: against the background of the onset of menopause, especially when it comes to early menopause, hormonal changes occur in the female body, which lead to a sharp decrease in bone mineral density, the most important indicator by which doctors determine osteoporosis … Therefore, if we are talking about patients aged 50 to 70 years, then, of course, women will have this disease more often than men.But as for people over 70 years old, there will be more men with osteoporosis in this age category.

– Are children at risk of developing this disease?

– Very small children – no, but adolescents may develop the so-called juvenile (from Lat. Juvenilis – juvenile) osteoporosis. Most often it occurs at the age of 12-14 years. In most cases, this is a genetically determined problem associated with a violation of the mechanism of bone self-renewal.

– Now there is a theory that the risk of osteoporosis is laid at the age of 20-25 . ..

– It’s true. The fact is that at this age the bone mass of a person reaches its age maximum. If the maximum was below the set, then, alas, the whole subsequent life a person will move towards osteoporosis. Gradually, bone density decreases and the risk of fractures increases.

– What are the complications and manifestations of the disease?

– The main complication of osteoporosis is undoubtedly fractures, and we are talking about fractures resulting from minor injuries.At one time, the World Health Organization has defined what can be called a “minor injury” – a fracture under the action of a force corresponding to a fall from a height of one’s own height or less. If such an inadequate, or minor, injury causes a fracture, which is not typical for a healthy person, then this indicates a decrease in bone strength. The most common cause is osteoporosis. “Favorite” fractures – fractures of the vertebrae, femoral neck, radius.

– Are hip fractures still the hardest for a woman?

– Until recently, if there was no urgent surgical intervention, as well as measures to quickly restore the patient’s mobility, the mortality rate for such fractures was indeed about 50% during the year. However, today in Moscow the number of deaths has decreased significantly, and this figure corresponds to the European level. In many ways, the positive statistics are associated with a change in modern orthopedic practice. For patients with hip fractures, they try to perform operations without delay – this allows you to put a person on his feet in the shortest possible time and thereby avoid dangerous complications. Even in those patients who cannot undergo surgical treatment, rapid activation and a set of preventive measures allow avoiding serious consequences.

– Before fractures, can one suspect a disease by any signs?

– Yes, there is a certain clinical picture that indicates the possible development of osteoporosis. These are back pains (usually in the lower thoracic or lumbar spine), arising in a standing position and quickly passing when sitting down, lying down or other unloading of the spine. They are most often associated with a decrease in the height of the vertebrae. Unfortunately, this is already a rather late symptom, indicating their deformation.Another late sign is a characteristic change in posture: the disappearance of the curvature of the lumbar spine and an increase in the curvature of the thoracic.

– Osteoporosis is believed to be impossible to cure. Are there any new treatments today?

– Osteoporosis really, like, say, hypertension, cannot be cured. But we are not fighting for this, but for saving a person from fractures. Today, thanks to modern medical advances, it is quite possible to do this.And here you cannot do without taking medication. Basically, we are talking about drugs aimed at correcting bone self-renewal processes and restoring normal calcium metabolism. Great attention is also paid to the patient’s diet and exercise therapy. I would like to note that general practitioners are involved in the treatment of osteoporosis. If necessary, they involve specialists of other related profiles for consulting – rheumatologists, orthopedists, traumatologists, endocrinologists. Patients who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis today are being treated very successfully in Moscow.

– How is it diagnosed nowadays?

– The diagnosis is established based on the determination of bone mineral density. For this purpose, special devices have been developed – densitometers, and the method of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) is the reference method in determining osteoporosis. Densitometry is recommended for women who have reached menopause, if there are risk factors such as smoking, low body weight, low physical activity, a hereditary history of osteoporosis, as well as diseases that suggest its development (mainly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, dysfunction of the thyroid gland, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis).This study is also necessary for all women who have reached the age of 65 and men over 70. Densitometry can be done free of charge under the compulsory medical insurance policy.

– Are there effective methods to prevent osteoporosis?

– There are factors that are associated with the risk of developing the disease – low physical activity, insufficient intake of calcium, insufficient vitamin D levels, smoking. Eliminating these factors will greatly protect you from osteoporosis. And these simple tips apply to the whole life of a person.However, it should be remembered that adequate intake of dairy products does not always provide the necessary intake of calcium in the body. This may be due to diseases of the kidneys, intestines, lack of vitamin D, as well as some genetic characteristics of the patient. Therefore, it is always better to once again consult a doctor, as well as undergo an examination.

Link to the text of the publication: http://med.interfax.ru/articles/548/

90,000 Osteoporosis specialist – Medicinas center ARS: +371 67201007

Osteoporosis Specialist

An osteoporosis specialist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, a disease of the bones.

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease of the skeleton, in which low bone mass density and microarchiteconic damage to the structure of bones are characteristic, which causes their increased fragility and, therefore, a high risk of fractures.

When is an osteoporosis specialist consultation required?

If you have complaints about:

• back pain, limitation of back mobility;
• reduction in height up to 3 cm;

90,075 frequent bone fractures;

90,075 vertebral fractures;

• hip fracture ;
• fractures of the forearm ;
• curvature of the spine, the so-called “widow’s hump”;
• Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, such as abdominal pain, hernia, reflux, and difficulty breathing.

How do I prepare to see an osteoporosis specialist?

When heading to a visit to an osteoporosis specialist, you must take (if any) with you all the statements and opinions related to a specific disease that were received in hospitals, outpatient facilities and from various specialists. You also need to take the test results and a list of medications used with you. This will help the doctor get as much information as possible, as well as help in determining the diagnosis and choosing the appropriate treatment tactics.In addition, this information will help save time and money, since if any necessary studies or analyzes were performed earlier, then there is no need to do them again.

How is the visit going

During the conversation with the patient, complaints are clarified, the doctor conducts an examination, examines the materials provided by the patient and clarifies the patient’s state of health. The doctor draws up an individual treatment plan, prescribes drug treatment. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe additional examinations, refer the patient to other specialists and agree on the time of the next visit.

Possible additional surveys:

Useful Information:

Specialists Medical center ARS have many years (more than 25 years) experience in diagnosing and treating osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis Specialists Dr. League ZVAIGZNE and Dr. Sandra CHERNYSHOVA.

For information:

Osteoporosis is a chronic bone disease that causes bones to become fragile and prone to fracture. The sites of the most frequent and dangerous fractures are the bones of the femoral neck and the vertebrae of the back.The consequences of these fractures can threaten health and even be fatal.

The causes of osteoporosis can be different, but most of them are hormonal changes in the body, insufficient physical activity and aging. This disease affects every 4-5 women and 7-8 men over 60 years of age. Osteoporosis can be cured, but it is important to identify the disease in time and carry out its prevention.

It is advisable for every woman over 50 and a man over 70 to have a bone density test – and if the result is a decrease in bone density, then you need to consult with an osteoporosis specialist who will assess the need for drug treatment and will keep the course of the disease under control.

Densitometry – MRI and CT Scan Velikie Luki

A decrease in bone density and its demineralization is the underlying cause of disability in the elderly. The development of osteoporosis and osteopenia has been asymptomatic for years, so most patients learn about the diagnosis after a complex fracture (most often of the femoral neck). Densitometry as a method of early diagnosis allows us to identify a predisposition to the disease and to take a set of therapeutic and prophylactic measures in a timely manner in order to avoid serious consequences.

One is enough !!! Do not allow the next break!

This is the slogan under which World Osteoporosis Day is celebrated throughout the world.

Osteoporosis is one of the most widespread diseases in the world, affecting every third woman and every eighth man. World Osteoporosis Prevention Day is celebrated on October 20 in 80 countries of the world. This day has been celebrated in the world since 2005, in Russia since 2007.It is held annually in order to convey to people all over the world information that: Osteoporosis is a “silent epidemic” , in which there are no symptoms for a long time and only the only complaint may be back pain. The disease is detected in most cases with the development of the first fracture.

Research has shown that there is no race, no nationality and no country free of osteoporosis. According to the latest data, this disease has been reported in 75 million people in the United States, Europe and Japan combined.According to the World Health Organization, among non-communicable diseases , osteoporosis ranks fourth after diseases of the cardiovascular system, cancer and diabetes mellitus.

Precisely osteoporosis is the main cause of hip fractures . In Russia, osteoporosis is one of the most important socially significant problems. The incidence has been steadily increasing in recent decades.According to doctors’ estimates, today in our country 31-33% of women and 23-24% of men suffer from osteoporosis – only about 10 million people. Only 25% of patients after a hip fracture return to independent life, 50% remain disabled, and 25% die within 3 years after the fracture.

Osteoporosis and its causes

Osteoporosis is a disease that does not manifest itself clinically for a long time (years). Only on examination can a decrease in bone density be determined – osteopenia . With the progression of osteopenia and the absence of appropriate treatment, this condition can gradually develop into osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a progressive disease of bone tissue, which is accompanied by a loss of calcium, and with it strength. Bones become fragile, which can lead to frequent fractures, even with minor or no injuries (falling from a height of one’s own growth, tilting, turning the body, etc.). The most severe consequence of the disease is a hip fracture.

Causes of osteoporosis.

Bone is a tissue that is constantly renewing itself. Throughout a person’s life, his skeleton undergoes constant regeneration, that is, places of destruction of bone tissue appear in it, which are then replaced by the newly formed bone. The human skeleton is completely renewed in 10-15 years.

In adolescents and young people, the processes of bone formation prevail over the processes of destruction, therefore bone density increases, but only up to a certain limit, the so-called “peak bone mass”, which is usually reached at the age of 20-30 years.After that, gradual bone loss begins due to the predominance of destruction processes, which is not compensated by sufficient bone formation. The onset of menopause accelerates the destruction of bones, which is associated with a sharp decrease in the level of female sex hormones (estrogens). This osteoporosis is called primary (postmenopausal or senile).

In addition, some endocrine and non-endocrine diseases and drugs can have a negative effect on bone metabolism.Osteoporosis resulting from the above reasons is called secondary .

Knowledge of risk factors is necessary in order to timely diagnose , and then start prevention and treatment of osteoporosis .

Risk factors for the development of osteoporosis

Unmanageable – do not depend on the person himself:

• low bone mineral density;
• female; 90,076 90,075 age over 65;
• the presence of osteoporosis and / or fractures with minor trauma in relatives (mother, father, sister) aged 50 and older;
• previous fractures;
• some endocrine diseases;
• early (including surgical) menopause in women;
• low body mass index and / or low weight;
• intake of glucocorticoids, prolonged immobilization (bed rest for more than 2 months).

Controlled – depend on lifestyle and behavior and can be eliminated:

• low calcium intake;
• vitamin D deficiency; 90,076 90,075 smoking;
• alcohol abuse;
• low physical activity;
• tendency to fall.

The main manifestations of osteoporosis

The initial symptoms of the disease may be signs associated with a lack of calcium:

• general weakness, increased fatigue, decreased ability to work; 90,076 90,075 caries;
• brittle nails, dull, split ends.

As the disease progresses bone pain occurs.

There is a decrease in height by 2-3 cm associated with a compression fracture of the spine and the formation of kyphosis. As a result, the height may decrease by 10-15 cm. There is a change in posture in the form of curvature of the spine “widow’s” hump.

The course of the disease is often slow, but progressive. With the progression of the disease, the violation of bone mineralization increases every year, which is accompanied by a decrease in its strength.As a result, pathological fractures and secondary deformities are noted, which often lead to disability.

Diagnostics

If at least one risk factor is present, it is necessary to undergo a timely medical diagnosis.

One of the ways to diagnose osteoporosis is densitometry (ultrasound or X-ray).

Densitometry allows you to determine bone mineral density and predict the risk of developing fractures at an early stage, when there are no fractures yet.

X-ray densitometry is the most accurate technique and the radiation exposure during its application is negligible. X-ray densitometry is the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis.

At X-ray densitometry the following sections of the human skeleton are examined:

1. Lumbar spine.
2. Upper (proximal) of the femur (as a whole and in separate areas: the neck, its least dense part – Ward’s triangle, greater trochanter, intertrochanteric region, upper part of the diaphysis).
3. The entire skeleton (in aggregate and large segments separately – arms, legs, spine, pelvis).
4. Area of ​​the wrist joint.

X-ray densitometry, in contrast to ultrasound, has a number of contraindications, but, nevertheless, it is one of the first medical methods for determining bone density, significantly improved and modified at the present time, with minimal negative impact on the patient’s body.

Price for densitometry is not always affordable.Both diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, including those accompanied by symptoms of the spinal column, are quite expensive. But if the manifestations of the disease are caused precisely by a decrease in bone density, this is the only way to relieve pain and prevent the development of complications, including a compression fracture of the spine.

Densitometry of the lumbar spine and femoral neck

Most often it is performed exactly densitometry of the lumbar spine , since pain syndrome is usually observed in this area.Its cause may be sciatica, intervertebral hernia and other diseases, but the presence of osteoporosis cannot be ruled out, therefore, almost all patients are shown to perform densitometry of the lumbar spine .

A combination of densitometry of the lumbar and femoral neck is also quite often used, since when osteoporosis is found in the vertebrae, it is likely that it will also occur in the femoral neck, and it is this place of the femur that is most often prone to fractures.Therefore, an examination is carried out in order to determine the condition of the femoral neck, and in the future to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy being carried out by changes in bone density in this anatomical structure.

Osteoporosis – Euromed application from the website

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by an increased tendency to fracture. This is due to a decrease in bone strength due to a decrease in bone mass and a violation of the structure (microarchitectonics) of the bone.The main cause of bone loss in women is estrogen deficiency. Low bone density is not felt in any way and is not the cause of complaints, and the first complaint is a fracture that has arisen. Fractures in osteoporosis occur at any point in the skeleton, but the most common are fractures of the vertebrae in the thoracic and lumbar spine, distal forearm and femoral neck. Low-trauma fractures are characteristic of osteoporosis, i.e. when a fracture occurs, with little or no stress.For example, a patient turned in bed – a rib fracture, fell in a room – a hip fracture.

Establishing the fact of low-traumatic fractures can predict their development in the future. So, after a vertebral fracture, the risk of fracture within a year of the next vertebra is 19.2%, and the risk of hip fracture is 13.3%. In general, in women, the presence of 1–2 compression fractures of the vertebrae increases the risk of subsequent fractures by 7.4 times.

Osteoporosis risk factors:

Genetic

• Ethnicity (White and Asian)
• Heredity
• Old age
• Low body weight (57 kg or less)
• Female

Hormonal

• Early menopause
• Late onset of menses
• Long periods of amenorrhea before menopause
• Infertility
• Endocrine system diseases

Lifestyle / Nutritional Hints

• Smoking
• Alcohol abuse
• Caffeine abuse
• Sedentary
• Excessive physical activity
• Intolerance to dairy products
• Low calcium intake

90,075 Excess meat consumption 90,076

• Vitamin D deficiency

Concomitant diseases

Long-term drug use

• Glucocorticoids
• Thyroid hormones
• Anticoagulants (heparin)
• Anticonvulsants
• Chemotherapy
• Metatrexate
• Cyclosporin A
• Tetracycline preparations
• Diuretics (furosemide)
• Antacids containing aluminum

A combination of several risk factors increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, therefore it is necessary to consult an endocrinologist.

what is it, symptoms, treatment, causes and advice

Many people do not know they have osteoporosis until they have a fracture. We decided to figure out what this “silent” disease is, where it comes from and how to prevent or slow it down.

Content

What is osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition in which a person’s bone tissue loses structure and density, and is slowly destroyed. This is a chronic disease that accompanies a person for years, and sometimes all his life.

A patient with osteoporosis is at increased risk of spontaneous fractures with minimal exertion – even careless sneezing can cause a rib fracture. Frequent bone fractures are accompanied by chronic pain, disability and disability, and loss of the usual quality of life. In older people, it can take years to recover from a fracture.

The risk of re-fracture in osteoporosis is particularly high within two years of the first fracture.

The aging of the population in Russia and the world means that osteoporosis will only occur more frequently.It is most susceptible to people of the Caucasian race, the elderly, women, especially after menopause. According to statistics from the International Osteoporosis Foundation, every third woman and every fifth man over 50 will face pathological fractures.

Osteoporosis and osteochondrosis are completely different diseases. In advertising and non-expert texts, they are often, albeit erroneously, put on the same line. In fact, osteochondrosis is much less common, affects growing bones and is characterized by impaired blood circulation.

Why osteoporosis is dangerous

Fracture of the femoral neck temporarily or permanently immobilizes a person, makes him helpless. Such a patient requires an operation, and after it – special care and rehabilitation, physiotherapy. With such an injury, the bones grow together with difficulty, so some patients have to seek partial or complete joint replacement.

Fracture of the vertebral body in osteoporosis can occur imperceptibly for the patient himself and is detected only during X-ray.Such a fracture can cause severe chronic pain, decreased growth, change in posture (appearance of a hump, stoop). Fractures of the vertebrae threaten immobility, breathing and digestion problems.

Bones that have lost their density can break even from a slight fall or careless movement. According to the WHO, if a fall from a height of one’s own height or below ends in a fracture, this already indicates osteoporosis. This is how the disease is usually detected – it has no other symptoms.

Osteoporosis develops from osteopenia, a pathology in which bone density begins to decline. People over 50 are advised to assess the likelihood of fracture using the FRAX calculator. If the risk is moderate or higher, a laboratory assessment of bone health will be required.

The gold standard of research is densitometry – an X-ray procedure for assessing bone mineral density. It happens quickly and does not involve any intervention.With it, the lumbar spine and hip joints are scanned.

How and why osteoporosis occurs

Bone health is influenced by diet, lifestyle, hormonal changes and heredity. The main risk factors for the development of osteoporosis include:

• chronic lack of calcium in the diet;
• vitamin D deficiency;
• phosphorus deficiency;
• lack of physical activity;
• alcoholism; 90,076 90,075 smoking;
• low body mass index; 90 076
• eating disorders;
• adherence to a strict diet;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• some genetic diseases;
• Disorders of the production of sex hormones and thyroid hormones;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that interfere with the normal absorption of nutrients;
• menopause and decreased estrogen levels; 90,076 90,075 cases of osteoporosis in close relatives;
• taking anticoagulants;
• taking glucorticoids;
• taking certain antiepileptic drugs.

Several risk factors for osteoporosis are passed down to us from our parents. Low bone density and fragility of bones due to a lack of collagen can be inherited, and the influence of genetics is especially strong in young and middle age. In old age, external factors and lifestyle play a decisive role.

There are secondary characteristics that can increase the risk of fractures in osteoporosis. These are the shape of the femoral neck, the tendency to gain muscle mass, body type, the level of hormones that affect the delivery and absorption of calcium in the bone tissue, the level of markers of bone metabolism.These features are also inherited.

You can find out the probability of developing osteoporosis during life and get personalized recommendations by taking the Atlas Genetic Test. We investigate 15 genetic variants that affect construction and, as a result, your bone density, osteoblast function and calcium metabolism, and then calculate the cumulative risk.

How osteoporosis is treated

The therapy is twofold: doctors try to slow down the development of osteoporosis and at the same time prevent fractures.Effective therapy can reduce the risk of fractures within 6–12 months by 50–80%, so you cannot hesitate with it.

Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis begins with regular intake of calcium and vitamin D. And as the main therapy, bisphosphonates are prescribed – drugs that slow down the rate of bone destruction. They have been used for several years to achieve a lasting effect.

Hormone replacement therapy can also slow developing osteoporosis and stop bone loss.There are also drugs that mimic the effects of estrogen, which also help maintain bone density. Any hormone therapy has its own risks, so it is usually prescribed for other indications.

Denosumab may be prescribed for people at very high risk of fracture. These are fully human monoclonal antibodies – they inhibit the maturation of osteoclasts, protecting bones from degradation. The substance stops bone loss, but drugs with it are prescribed only in exceptional cases when bisphosphonates for some reason cannot be used.

Parathyroid hormone (teriparatide) regulates calcium metabolism in the body, therefore it is also used in the fight against osteoporosis. This therapy can increase bone density, but it often comes with side effects and is not suitable for everyone.

To prevent osteoporosis, you need to eat healthy and varied, paying attention to the content of calcium and vitamin D in the diet. Calcium is the most important building block of bone tissue, so adults need to get at least 1000 mg of calcium in their diet every day.

It is found not only in milk, but also in green leafy vegetables, fermented milk products, cheeses, sesame seeds, soybeans, beans, almonds, dried fruits, vegetable milk with added calcium. The mineral is best absorbed from animal products.

Do not rely on calcium supplements and complexes without a doctor’s recommendation – excess calcium can remain in the body in the form of kidney stones and deposits on the walls of the arteries.

Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining bone density.A normal concentration of vitamin D suppresses the overproduction of the parathyroid hormone, thereby slowing the release of calcium from the bones.

The daily intake of vitamin D is 600 IU per day. Its natural sources are oily fish, liver, and egg yolks. In case of deficiency, the doctor may prescribe vitamin D in the form of a dietary supplement in combination with vitamin K2, but the rate is selected strictly individually. Vitamin D levels are especially important to keep track of if you’ve cut out animal products from your diet or are barely out in the sun.

How to behave with osteoporosis

Create a safe environment around you and try to keep falls to zero:

1. Wear the correct vision correctors and sunglasses when needed.
2. Use bright lighting at home.
3. Remove excess cables, loose rugs, and protruding drawers that you might trip over in the dark.
4. Buy non-slip bath and toilet mats, install handrails.
5. Do not use stepladders or sliding ladders on your own – ask for help when you need to retrieve something from a high shelf.
6. Don’t skimp on shoes – look for non-slip, stable shoes that support your ankle well.
7. Never run after public transport or across a pedestrian crossing.
8. Exercise regularly to develop balance, agility, and stay physically active.

It is also important to maintain a positive attitude and take regular walks in order to naturally produce vitamin D.

To find out your risk of developing osteoporosis due to heredity, taking into account the lifestyle and the level of calcium and vitamin D, the Atlas Genetic Test will help.

• NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center
• NHS Guidelines
• Juliet E Compston, Michael R McClung, William D Leslie. Osteoporosis
• Tilman D Rachner, Sundeep Khosla, Lorenz C Hofbauer. New Horizons in Osteoporosis
• International Osteoporosis Foundation
• MRC Human Nutrition Research, Elsie Widdowson Laboratory, Cambridge. Diet, nutrition and the prevention of osteoporosis
• Harold N Rosen.Patient education: Osteoporosis prevention and treatment (Beyond the Basics
• Tümay Sözen, Lale Özışık, Nursel Çalık Başaran. An overview and management of osteoporosis
• Osteoporosis: assessing the risk of fragility fracture
• Genetic predisposition to increased serum calcium, bone mineral density, and fracture risk in individuals with normal calcium levels: mendelian randomisation study
• Assessment of the genetic and clinical determinants of fracture risk: genome wide association and mendelian randomisation study
• Stuart H.Ralston, André G. Uitterlinden. Genetics of Osteoporosis

90,000 The fragile generation of Pepsi | Ministry of Health of the Chuvash Republic

In the capital of Chuvashia, on the basis of the Republican Clinical Hospital, a study of bone tissue density in residents of the republic was carried out. It is too early to speak about the results of the examination, but the first data are depressing: the tendency to osteoporosis in young people is often higher than in women of Balzac’s age.What’s the matter here? Our correspondent tried to figure it out together with Doctor of Medical Sciences Igor Madyanov.
– Igor Vyacheslavovich, why did they talk so much about osteoporosis? After all, this is not cancer, not a heart attack, from which you can die pretty quickly?
– I’m afraid to upset you, but osteoporosis as a cause of death and disability in people over 50 is in fourth place after cardiovascular, oncological and diabetes mellitus. What is this ailment? Imagine a bone.It has two components: organic and mineral. That is, bones are made up of proteins and minerals. If, for some reason, calcium is washed out of them, or the destruction of protein suddenly occurs, then the bone loses its strength. It breaks easily, but it grows together, on the contrary, very badly. Every third woman and every fifth man after age 50 become victims of this disease. These are people full of strength and energy who cannot work for quite a long time, relatives have to take care of them, they often become disabled if a spine or hip fracture occurs, and even die.There is something to worry about.
– How does osteoporosis occur, what causes it?
– There are many reasons. Let’s go in order. At the age of 25 years, a skeleton is formed in a person. If a failure occurs at this age, then nothing can be corrected later. After 25 we use the stock we made. If the child is poorly fed, not given enough protein, and this is not only meat, but also cottage cheese, milk, if it is not enough to keep the child outside, and not just outside, but in the sun so that vitamin D is formed, then he will not be able to accumulate sufficient margin of bone strength.What we have? Our children are deprived of the southern sun for geographical reasons, and there is nothing to be done about it, this is a given. Our children do not drink fish oil, as we did, forced by our parents, do not eat enough sea fish, because we have different eating habits. But our children, instead of cottage cheese and milk, adore salty chips and fizzy drinks. Why is that bad? Excess salt depletes calcium, and drinks containing caffeine contribute to poor absorption of calcium, even when it is ingested.In addition, children move little, and physical inactivity also causes a loss of calcium. And it is especially bad when girls, exhausted by diets, smoke: they already have problems, and then there is also nicotine, which aggravates the situation.
– So that’s why the research found that girls in their twenties have low bone density?
– Alas! It may be too early to talk about osteoporosis in them, but there is no doubt that they suffer from osteopenia. And one can only grieve about what awaits them.After all, when they want to become mothers, first of all they will lose their teeth. They will have problems carrying and giving birth to a child. In addition, their children will have some pretty serious health problems. And, in addition, they become candidates for bone fractures in old age.
– Is the nation in danger?
– And in what kind. No wonder that schools banned the sale of cola-like drinks and fast food. The child should drink milk, kefir, eat cottage cheese, move a lot in the fresh air. In our republic there are no extreme forms of rickets, but there is chronic vitamin D deficiency.
– Why do you put such an emphasis on movement?
– When our astronauts flew into space, no one worried that they would be immobilized. And the first thing that the doctors faced after the return of their wards to earth was the strongest loss of bone mass. I will not go into the details of physiology, why this is happening, I will only say that the conclusions have been drawn: now the cosmonauts have special suits, simulators so that they can move.
– Is it really that simple: eat cottage cheese to get calcium and protein, lead a healthy lifestyle and you will be happy?
– As far as osteoporosis is concerned, in most cases this is the case.There are also reasons for its occurrence, but this already applies to not very healthy people. Vitamin D is activated in the liver and ends its cycle in the kidneys. And if you have problems with these organs, then you are a candidate for osteoporosis. If a person has had stomach and intestinal surgery or has endocrine diseases, problems cannot be avoided either. Also on this list are people who have been taking corticosteroid hormones for more than three months.
– How to determine if osteoporosis has already appeared or not? Does he have any symptoms? After all, when a person begins to break his arms, legs, spine, it will be too late.
– The very first symptom of the disease is not fractures, you are right, but back pain. When a person suffers from back pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are poorly relieving it, then one should look not for osteochondrosis, but osteoporosis. From a lack of calcium, there can be cramps in the calf muscles, lethargy, fatigue, which is attributed to chronic fatigue syndrome, who knows where it comes from stoop.