What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease where a decrease in bone strength increases a person’s risk of bone fractures and breaks. There are two types of osteoporosis: postmenopausal osteoporosis develops after menopause, where the drop in oestrogen levels causes bones to lose substance; and senile osteoporosis occurs where the bone thins as a result of the aging process.
What are the symptoms?
Osteoporosis typically carries no symptoms until a painful fracture or broken bone occurs. Naturally, a broken bone will result in chronic pain and the sufferer will have to seek medical assistance as soon as possible. The typical areas of increased fragility with osteoporosis are the vertebrae, ribs, wrists and hips.
Can it be prevented?
Type 1 osteoporosis can be prevented and treated if caught in time. If you have a genetic predisposition for the condition (if it runs in the family), it is important to maintain a calcium- and Vitamin D-enriched diet and a healthy exercise regime, while regular bone mass testing is also important.
How is it diagnosed?
Osteoporosis is diagnosed by a dual energy X-ray absorption (DEXA) scan. This scan takes about 10 minutes and is typically associated with low radiation exposure. Your doctor will then determine whether the condition is a primary or secondary problem.
How is it treated?
Where a diagnosis of primary osteoporosis is made, your doctor will advise you on the appropriate steps to take next. The goal of osteoporosis treatment is to prevent future fractures and breaks, so the first step is to ensure a healthy intake of calcium and Vitamin D in the diet. An exercise regime also forms an important step in the treatment process, once there are no pre-existing fractures. In some cases, your doctor will prescribe a course of drug treatment, with the aim of reducing fractures.
