What Causes Osteoporosis?

Your bones are living tissue that is continually changing throughout your life. Even with healthy bones, your bone mass changes as you progress through birth, young adulthood, and on into your later adult years. As we pass through adulthood, our bones become less dense. Doctors refer to this process as "remodeling."

During remodeling, bones breakdown their mass and replace it with new bone mass. However, for people with osteoporosis, bone loss is more rapid than bone growth. This malfunction causes the bones to become brittle.

Contrary to popular belief, osteoporosis affects both men and women. However, women experience higher rates of osteoporosis. While estrogen can keep osteoporosis from developing, when estrogen levels decrease after menopause, women are at risk of developing osteoporosis.

There are a variety of circumstances that can contribute to developing osteoporosis. Some of these osteoporosis risk factors include:

• Having a thin, small frame

• Genetic

• Cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

• A diet lacking in calcium

• Bowel disease

• Chemotherapy

• Lack of vitamin D

• Certain medications like blood thinners and synthetic hormones

Overall, there are many osteoporosis causes. Your doctor will be able to diagnose your condition and suggest treatment options. Book an appointment now to find out more.

Osteoporosis Symptoms

The signs of osteoporosis are not always evident at first. Osteoporosis can often go undiagnosed for years until you experience extreme osteoporosis symptoms like a bone fracture. However, osteoporosis pain can cause your back to hurt. Your back may begin to curve forward. You may get shorter, and you may break a bone easily, even by coughing or bending over.

Other symptoms that may point toward an osteoporosis diagnosis include:

• Severe back pain radiating from the back of the sides to the body.

• Spine fractures causing a hunched back appearance

• Diminished height over time

• Easy bone breakage

Only a qualified physician can provide an osteoporosis diagnosis. Schedule an appointment today to learn more.

How Osteoporosis Is Diagnosed

Providing an accurate osteoporosis diagnosis requires a thorough examination of your family history and the use of diagnostic technology. During your initial appointment, your physician will conduct a verbal assessment of your osteoporosis risk factors.

If your answers indicate possible signs of osteoporosis and suggest the need for more testing, they will order a bone mineral density test. A bone density test uses X-ray technology to assess the risk of osteoporosis. They may also want to conduct CT scans or MRIs of your bones to look for signs of osteoporosis. These diagnostic tests help your doctor evaluate the extent of your condition.

A proper osteoporosis diagnosis is necessary to determine how much intervention you need. The diagnostic professionals at Resurgens will be able to use these screenings to assess your treatment options.

Osteoporosis Treatment Options

Osteoporosis treatment depends on your needs. Medications can help keep your bones from getting any weaker and promote general bone health. You may also benefit from a healthier lifestyle. Your healthcare provider can create a care plan that is right for you. Currently, there are more treatment options than ever before and better knowledge regarding osteoporosis prevention.

Patients who have a high risk of osteoporosis complications may need to start a drug regiment. Drug treatments can help reduce the risk of fractured bones.

Your doctor will make an evaluation based on your condition. Book an appointment now to learn more about your osteoporosis treatment options.