Monday, October 3, 2011

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis 

Osteoporosis affects more than 28 million men and women in the United States. The often called "brittle bone disease" is characterized by loss of bone density weakens bones and increases the risk of fracture. Osteoporosis is responsible for more than a million and half of hip fractures, vertebral and wrist fractures annually. If left untreated, osteoporosis can result in loss of height, posture, squat, kyphosis (hunchback), and chronic pain.

What causes osteoporosis ?
The main cause of osteoporosis is a deficiency of nutrients important for bone formation, such as calcium, vitamin D, magnesium and other vitamins and minerals. However, there are additional risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis.  
They include:

- Gender. Women are more at risk than men because they generally have less bone mass than men, hormonal changes during menopause decreased bone density, and live longer than men. However, men can develop osteoporosis. In fact, nearly 2 million American men have osteoporosis and another 3 million are at risk for depression. 

- Race. Asian women and Caucasians, especially those with small bones are at greatest risk of osteoporosis.

- Family history. Osteoporosis runs in families, primarily through the mother. However, the mere fact that the mother had osteoporosis does not mean you are doomed to suffer. 

- Lifestyle. Certain lifestyle choices such as poor diet, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and inactivity can contribute greatly to the risk of osteoporosis. 
- Other causes. Certain drugs and metabolic disorders can also contribute to osteoporosis, Cushing's syndrome, hyperthyroidism and hyperparathyroidism. There are also gastrointestinal disorders that can affect the body's ability to absorb calcium. In some cases, osteoporosis is considered "idiopathic", meaning that its cause is unknown.

How is osteoporosis diagnosed ?

 
Osteoporosis is usually diagnosed with a bone mineral density test (BMD, for its acronym in English). This test, also known as bone densitometry, is an important diagnostic tool that not only measures the amount of calcium in the bones, but can also be used to estimate the risk of fractures. 

The test is simple, quick, painless and noninvasive. Dual photon absorptiometry or DEXA X-ray is the most common method used to measure bone density and can detect even a 1% loss in bone mass. Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT, for its acronym in English) is also extremely accurate in measuring bone density, but is not as readily available as DEXA.

Osteoporosis Prevention


The best way to prevent osteoporosis is to maintain strong and healthy bones by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, exercise, and avoid unhealthy activities like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. You might also consider taking nutritional supplements to ensure you receive adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals that strengthen bone. Below is a list of the most important vitamins and minerals for the prevention of osteoporosis:


Calcium - One of the most important minerals involved in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. The proper amount of calcium in the diet can help reduce bone loss by 30 - 50 percent!


Magnesium - This mineral works closely with calcium, so it is important to maintain appropriate levels of both to ensure its effectiveness. 

Vitamin D - Helps the body absorb calcium and contributes to bone formation. When taken together with calcium, vitamin D plays a critical role in maintaining bone density.
Vitamin K - helps promote strong bones as it fixes the calcium and other minerals to bones.
Vitamin C - This vitamin is not only an important enhancer of immunity, but also helps increase bone density.


The trace elements or trace elements, such as boron, silicon, zinc and copper taken at the right quantities, also help prevent osteoporosis.


Compression Fractures


When bones become brittle due to osteoporosis may occur vertebral compression fractures. The latter occur when the vertebrae are crushed and the space between them decreases by 15-20%. This compression causes chronic back pain, height loss (which is why many older people seem to shrink as they age), kyphosis (humpback or back), loss of balance (which increases the risk of falls) and, occasionally, neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling or weakness.


Most cases of compression fractures can be treated with pain medication, bed rest, or orthotics. However, in severe cases may require surgery. We offer two new treatments, therapeutic and preventive for compression fractures called vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty. These procedures orthopedic cement is injected into the space between the vertebrae, which causes the disc space back to its original height.  


These procedures can not only restore the stature and relieve pain but also prevent future fractures by strengthening other vertebral bodies that are weakened but not broken yet. But remember that these procedures are not appropriate for everyone. If you have a compression fracture, should meet with your spine surgeon to see what treatment options that best suit your situation.

Medications

 
Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, a variety of medications that can help strengthen bones and increase its density. Currently, bisphosphonates (alendronate and risedronate), calcitonin, estrogen, parathyroid hormone and raloxifene are approved by the FDA for the prevention and / or treatment of osteoporosis. If you need medications, our medical staff will tell you what is best for you and when to take, at what dose, and possible side effects.


Prevention is the key

 
The most important thing to remember is that osteoporosis can be prevented by maintaining healthy bones. It is never too early or too late to adopt healthy habits that help keep bones strong. We care about your health, and we can talk to you about how to improve your health and prevent osteoporosis progresses.

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