Strong bones are key to good health

Kimberly Hayden , MD

CHS Family HealthCare of Muncie

Q: What is osteoporosis?

A: Osteoporosis is a metabolic disorder  in there is weakening on bone strength.  Osteoporosis can occur in the spine, hip and wrist areas and is estimated as the  most common cause of spinal fractures in the United States

Q: What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

A: Most of the time osteoporosis there is no symptoms until a fracture occurs.  An   individual may present with mild  to severe back pain or notice that she/he is shorter than she/he use to be.Your doctor do a thourough exam and ask questions to find out the cause for the osteoporoisis.

Q: What are some of the causes of osteoposis?

A: It can be for hormonal deficiency or excess, tobacco/alcholol use, cancers, having a sedetary lifestyle, and from medications.Osteoporosis can also occur form genentic and chronic medical conditions such as anorexia, liver disease, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, or rheumatioid arthritis.

Q: Who is at risk?

A: Osteoporosis frequently affets women more than men and is often refered to as "postmenopausal" osteoporosis in which there is weakening of bone. Oseoporosis is also known as the "silent" disease because an individual may not notice any changes,nor pain, until a bone breaks.

Individuals at risks are: whites and asian women, petite women, and those women with a family history or osteoporosis. Osteoporoiss however, can affect any race or gender.

Other risks factors may include chronic diseases, eating disorders,eating to little calcium and vitamin D foods, not exercising and exercising to intensely,long term steroid use, having ones's ovaries removed secondary to disease.

Q: How is osteporosis diagnosed? 

A: Using a painless procedure callled a DEXA scan to measure how strong(density) your  bones are. Your doctor  can   determine if you have osteoporosis or the early stages of osteoporosis called osteopenia.

Your doctor may also order x-rays and lab tests based on your physical exam and medical history.

Q: How is osteoporosis treated?

A: Depending on the cause your doctor will devise a treatment program to keep your bones strongs. Treatment options may include one, or more of the followings;

1. Foods rich and protein,calcium and vitamin D and supplementations apropriate for age

2. Exercise: Especially weight bearing-exercises such as weight liftng.jogging,aerobics and balance exercises for overall strength and conditioning of bones/body.

3. Avoid alcohol and smoking

4.Prevention of falls guidance couseling

5.Medication such as sex hormones,bisphospnates, SERMs  or calcitonin can be use to help strengthen and possibly rebuild weaken bone.

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