Often called “the silent disease,” osteoporosis is a bone condition characterized by decreased bone mass and the subsequent deterioration of bone tissue.
Osteoporosis is a bone condition characterized by decreased bone mass and the subsequent deterioration of bone tissue. Often called “the silent disease”, this progressive condition causes bones to become more porous, thin and brittle, thus more susceptible to fracture. The spine can be particularly vulnerable – vertebral compression fractures may occur in those whose osteoporosis has reached the advanced stage.
Men, women and in rare cases even children can develop osteoporosis; however, the condition is most prevalent in older adults. An estimated 44% of Americans over age 50 – some 44 million people – have been diagnosed with the condition or identified at increased risk for osteoporosis due to low bone mass. Of those diagnosed with osteoporosis, 80% are women.
The exact cause of osteoporosis is unknown; however, there are a number of established risk factors. Age, nutrition, lifestyle and genetics, as well as certain medical conditions and medications, can all play a part.
Age
During childhood and early adulthood, the body creates new bone faster
than it can absorb existing bone, a process that starts to reverse
around age 30. Bone loss in women speeds up when the production of
estrogen slows down, usually between the ages of 45-55. Likewise, men
begin to experience bone loss as their production of testosterone
declines, generally around age 45-50.
One of the reasons women are more likely to develop osteoporosis, and develop it earlier, is that their bones are typically smaller and lighter than men’s, so there is less bone mass to begin with. People who do not achieve ideal bone thickness when they are young also are more likely to develop the condition.
Nutrition
Bone strength is a product of both bone mass and density. Bone density
depends, in part, on the amount of calcium, phosphorus and other
minerals the bone contains. Bones deficient in these minerals tend to be
weaker with less internal supporting structure, which makes them more
porous and fragile.
Excessive dieting or eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, may contribute to bone loss. Studies have shown that cola drinks, which contain phosphoric acid, also may interfere with bones’ ability to absorb calcium.
Lifestyle
People who get little or no exercise are at risk for developing
osteoporosis. Weight bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging and
weight lifting, work muscles and bones against gravity, which helps
maintain their strength and density. Smoking increases the loss of bone
density, and heavy alcohol consumption may inhibit bone formation.
Genetics
People who have a parent or sibling with osteoporosis have a 60% to 80%
chance of developing the condition, as well. People of Asian or
European descent are those most likely to develop osteoporosis; people
of African descent the least likely.
Small-framed, thin people also are at greater risk. Smaller bones mean less bone mass. And thin people have less body fat - fat cells produce estrogen, which can help prevent bone loss in women after menopause.
Medical Conditions and Medications
Several medical conditions, including hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s
syndrome and hyperparathyroidism, increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Some medications also may contribute to bone thinning. They include:
Unfortunately, the reason osteoporosis is called the “silent disease” is that it has no physical symptoms in its early stages. As the condition progresses, the following symptoms that indicate weakening bones may occur:
Early diagnosis is critical. If you believe you are at risk for osteoporosis or have experienced any of the above symptoms, contact your physician. He or she will make a diagnosis based on your medical history, a physical examination and a bone density test – a painless, accurate and non-invasive procedure that measures bone thickness.
Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, there are a variety of treatment options that have the potential to reduce, stop or even reverse bone loss. Even small changes in diet, exercise and medication may help prevent the more serious consequences of the condition, such as broken bones. There also are a number of osteoporosis prevention and/or treatment medications currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Consult with your physician to determine which treatment plan is best for you, and follow the program he or she recommends to rebuild and maintain bone health.