Osteoporosis is a common disease in older people. It develops over a long time, usually decades, before being diagnosed and treated. However, there are some risk factors and signs of possible bone loss that can help individuals prevent or treat osteoporosis before it progresses to the point of bone fractures or a shattered hip.
Causes of Osteoporosis and Risk Factors for Low Bone Mass
Women are more prone to osteoporosis than men, making up 80% of cases, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, but men can still develop problems with bone loss. The loss of bone mass happens slowly, over many years, and often goes undetected for a long time before treatment begins.
There are some well-documented osteoporosis risk factors that can lead to bone loss. Caucasian and Asian women are the highest risk groups for developing osteoporosis. Menopause also increases the risk, since that's when estrogen levels drop and women lose the hormone's protective effect on bone. Other risk factors include smoking, eating disorders, low calcium and vitamin D, rheumatoid arthritis and family members with the disease.
Recognizing Osteoporosis Symptoms
According to a 2004 report in the Archives of Internal Medicine, fewer than half of people with osteoporosis know they have it. Most of the major symptoms of osteoporosis, such as fractures and back pain, don't show up until there has been a lot of bone loss, when it is often too late to prevent or repair the damage.
There are, however, a few little-known early signs of bone problems that can indicate the need for further testing to rule out osteoporosis. These signs mainly show up in the mouth and include gum disease and loose teeth.
Information About Osteoporosis Screening and Diagnosis
Having a bone mineral density test is the only definitive way for doctors to give an osteoporosis diagnosis. These tests are painless and fairly simple, using an X-ray machine to determine the density of bone at various points, such as the hip, spine or kneecap.
The two most common types of bone density test machines are the DXA and SXA. The SXA is a simpler device, and a positive result, indicating a potential osteoporosis diagnosis, may be followed up by a test on the DXA. A series of bone mineral density tests can also be used to monitor how well medications or treatments are working if given regularly over months or years.
Treating Osteoporosis By Rebuilding Bone and Stopping Bone Loss
Osteoporosis can be a serious condition, especially in older adults, but there are treatments available to help prevent and even cure some cases of bone loss. For more information on treating osteoporosis, check out these articles:
Natural Ways to Build Bone Strength – Describes natural methods to help repair low bone mass and build stronger bones.
Building and Rebuilding Better Bones– Explains the latest medications for osteoporosis and how they help treat bone loss and even rebuild bone that have already suffered damage.
Sources:
Randall S. Stafford, Rebecca L. Drieling, and Adam L. Hersh. National Trends in Osteoporosis Visits and Osteoporosis Treatment, 1988-2003. Arch Intern Med. 2004
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: Recommendations and rationale. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2002
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