Osteporosis

=__Osteoporosis:__= (photo courtesy of flickr.com/ user: gitanaflickr) Osteoporosis is a bone disease which leads to an increased risk of having a bone fracture. [|WHO] (world health organization) defines it as a "bone mineral density 2.5 __[|standard deviations]__ below peak bone mass." It is caused by the bone's mineral density reducing, the microarchitecture is disrupted, and the amount as well as variety of non-collagenous proteins in the bone is altered. It leads to the bone's density becoming more like a sponge rather than a brick. Normal bones unaffected by osteoporosis are rich in protein, collagen, and calcium making them strong and able to withstand minor falls. When a bone becomes affected by osteoporosis it breaks very easily, and is especially common in older woman. Most times it is the hip or spine which breaks once affected by osteoporosis.

=__[|Signs and Symptoms]:__=

Many times Osteoporosis can be a silent disease as there are no real symptoms unless you fracture a bone leading to an X-ray in which it is detected. Many times it is detected after a fracture that normally a healthy person would not have suffered, these types of fractures are known as fragility fractures. Many times these "fragility fractures" occur in the vertebral column of the back, the hip, and the wrist. Many times osteoporosis can lead to a vertebral collapse, or compression fracture, which leads to acute back pain. When someone suffers from a certebral fracture, it can lead to a slouched posture, loss in height, as well as serious pain in which you are immobile. As one ages they have an increased risk of falling as their vision deteriorates, therefore leading to an increased risk of fracturing their wrist, spine, and hip. =__Risk Factors:__=

The risk factors for Osteoporosis can be divided into the two categories known as non-modifiable and potentially modifiable. __Non-modifiable:__ The most important non-modifiable risk factor is aging in men and especially woman. Woman have a higher risk of developing Osteoporosis after their estrogen levels begin to deplete following menopause which is caused by a reduction in BMD. Men also have a higher risk of developing Osteoporosis after their testosterone levels begin to decrease. Many times people of European or Asian descent have a higher risk of developing Osteoporosis. Also, if you have a history of the disease in your family you are at a higher risk of developing Osteoporosis. __Potentially Modifiable:__ There are many potentially modifiable risk factors for Osteoporosis, which include: -Tobacco Smoking, which inhibits the activity of osteoblasts. -Low Calcium and Vitamin D Intake: When you have a Calcium or Vitamin D deficiency due to malnutrition, your chance of developing Osteoporosis increases. -Alcoholism - Low Amounts of Physical Activity: People who remain physical active throughout their life have a lower risk of developing Osteoporosis because their bones are able to maintain bone mass keeping their bones stronger. - Excessive Exercise- Can cause damage to the bones. Many marathon runners develop Osteoporsis later in life due to over exhaustion of their bones. -Soft Drinks: Many soft drinks contain phosphoric acid and once they begin replacing other drinks in your diet you are at a higher risk of developing Osteoporosis.

=Diagnosis & Detection:= Osteoporosis can be detected through a test of the bones mineral density, or the more popular method is the use of dual energy X- ray == absorptiometry ([|DEXA]). DEXA is the top of the line process used to detect Osteoporosis. When a bone mineral density test is given and the density is less than 2.5 your are diagnosed with Osteoporosis.This is then used to translate to what is known as a T-Score. The World Health Organization established a chart to help better determine Osteoporosis: - T-Score: -1.0 or greater = Normal - T Score is between 1.0 and 2.5 = Low bone mass - T-Score -2.5 or below = Osteoporosis Although Osteoporosis can be detected using an X-ray machine, which makes the bone appear much lighter, it is too late and at least 30% of the bone is lost. To help detect Osteoporosis sooner anyone who applies to the following should highly consider having a test done: - Post-menopausal women - Any women age 65 and older - Post-menopausal women with fractures or who have medical conditions associated with Osteoporosis = =

Treatment & Prevention
The main goal in treating Osteoporosis is preventing bone fractures while stopping bone loss and increasing bone density as well as strength. Many times it is too late to rebuild the bone once Osteoporosis is detected, which means that the prevention of Osteoporosis is in many cases the cure. If in fact someone is diagnosed with Osteoporosis there are three ways it can be treated. First is through medication. The three most common medications given to treat this disease are [|Bisphosphonates], [|Teriparatide], and [|Strontium Ranelate]. Second is through lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, limited alcohol intake, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet which includes an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D. Finally Osteoporosis can be treated with medications that can increase bone formation once Osteoporosis has already begun. The main way to stay healthy and prevent Osteoporosis is to maintain a good exercise program as well as a nutritious diet which can help delay bone degeneration. Also do not begin smoking or if you do, quit right away.

For more information visit the following : -[|www.nof.org] -[|www.webmd.com/osteoporosis]