Osteoporosis

 Bhopal: Osteoporosis is a clinical condition causing weak bones in our body. This can eventually lead to a fracture even with mild stresses such as bending over or coughing. Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the Spine, hip or wrist.

According to Dr. Akshay Kumar Saxena, Senior Consultant - Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, Spine Surgery, Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and replaced. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone doesn't keep up with the loss of old bone. Osteoporosis affects men and women of all races but it is especially more prevalent in older women post menopause, who are at highest risk. Medications, healthy diet and weight-bearing exercise can help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones.

There typically are no symptoms in the early stages of bone loss. But once bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, a person starts experiencing Back Pain because of spinal fractures. It can also cause a significant change in posture as our back develops a deformity.

Our bones are in a constant state of renewal — new bone is made and old bone is broken down. Most people reach their peak bone mass by age 30. As people age, bone mass is lost faster than it's created, thus leading to Osteoporosis.

Risk factors:

Sex. Women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis than are men.

Age. The older you get, the greater your risk of osteoporosis.

Family history. Having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis puts you at greater risk, especially if your mother or father fractured a hip.

Post Menopausal age : Fall in estrogen levels in women after Menopause is one of the strongest risk factor for development of Osteoporosis.

Endocrinal / Hormonal Levels : Thyroid , Parathyroid and adrenal gland disorders are also implicated.

Dietary Factors : Prolonged calcium deficiency , Eating disorders and prior Gastrointestinal surgery can reduce levels of Calcium and important nutrients needed to maintain adequate bone strength.

Drug induced : Long term use of certain medications like steroid, Anti seizure medications and other immunosuppressants are associated in causing Osteoporosis.

Medical Conditions : The risk of osteoporosis is higher in people who have certain medical problems, including Kidney or liver disease, Inflammatory bowel disease, Cancer, Multiple myeloma, Rheumatoid arthritis etc.

Lifestyle choices : Bad habits like Sedentary Lifestyle, Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking have a direct correlation on Osteoporosis.

Prevention of Osteoporosis :

1)     Good nutrition and regular exercise are essential for keeping your bones healthy throughout your life.

2)     Diet rich in Calcium and other nutrients should be preferred. Good sources of calcium include:

Low-fat dairy products

Dark green leafy vegetables

Soy products, such as tofu

Calcium-fortified cereals and orange juice

3)     Vitamin D : Vitamin D improves the body's ability to absorb calcium and improves bone health in other ways. People can get some of their vitamin D from sunlight.

 

4)     Exercise :  Exercise can help build strong bones and slow bone loss. It’s advisable to combine strength training exercises with weight-bearing and balance exercises.