Osteoporosis
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis affects millions of people — but it is treatable and even preventable in most people. Many women are not aware of the potential link between a broken bone and osteoporosis.
As a disease, osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass causing bones to thin and weaken, and are therefore more prone to fracture. In some situations, osteoporosis can result in chronic pain, disability, physical deformity, and loss of independence. It is often called the “silent disease” because bone loss occurs without symptoms and people often do not know they have osteoporosis until their bones are so weak that a sudden turn or fall results in a fracture. One in two women will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.
Regular exercise helps to slow the rate of bone loss. The best exercise for your bones involves weight-bearing exercises. Examples include walking, hiking, jogging, lifting weights, climbing stairs, or tennis. The optimal goal is at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. If you have osteoporosis you will want to consult with your primary care provider on the appropriate exercise for you. For example, to protect your spine you should avoid exercises that flex, bend or twist your spine. However, light to moderate activity in those with osteoporosis can reduce the risk for falls and fractures, reduce pain and improve fitness. Exercise can help to tone muscle, control weight and balance, and enhance your overall life.
Is there a test to determine if I have Osteoporosis?
A Bone Mineral Density Test (BMD) is the best way to determine your bone health. A BMD test can determine your risk for broken bones, identify osteoporosis, and measure your response to osteoporosis treatment. The test is easy and takes only 10-15 minutes. You will be asked to lie on a table while a machine above you measures your bone density.
What are some risk factors that may increase my chance of developing Osteoporosis?
- Cigarette smoking
- Personal history of a non-traumatic fracture as an adult
- Family history of osteoporosis or fractures in an adult family member
- Small body size (< 127 pounds)
- Inactive lifestyle
- Caucasian and Asian women
- Early menopause (< 40 years old)
- Postmenopausal
- Over the age of 50
- Low lifetime intake of calcium and vitamin D (diet low in dairy products or other sources of calcium and vitamin D)
- Too much alcohol consumption
- Eating disorders (at any time in your life)
- Medications used to treat asthma, arthritis, lupus (glucocorticoids)
- Medications use for the treatment of endometriosis (gonadotropin releasing hormone)
- Anti-seizure medications
- Aluminum-containing antacids
- Certain cancer treatments
- Excessive amount of thyroid hormone
What should I do to prevent Osteoporosis?
- Be sure you have get enough calcium daily:
- Females age 19 to menopause age: 1000 mg/ day
- Females menopausal or postmenopausal: 1,200-1,500 mg each day
- Be sure you get 400-800 IU of Vitamin D each day
- Eat a healthy diet
- 30 minutes of weight-bearing activity daily (minimum 5 days/week) and 10-15 minutes of strength training 2-3 days/week
- Maintain good posture
- Don’t smoke
- Reduce your caffeine intake
- Drink alcohol moderately
- Determine if you should have a bone densitometry test by consulting with your provider
- Consider medications for prevention and/or treatment — as recommended by your provider
Am I at risk for Osteoporosis?
Take our Osteoporosis Risk Assessment to learn more.
How do I schedule a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Test?
To inquire about scheduling a bone densitometry test, contact your primary healthcare provider. You may schedule an appointment with a Stillwater Medical Group provider by calling (651) 439-1234 or request an appointment online.
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