What is Osteoporosis ? What are its signs and symptoms ?
Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone where the Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is reduced, bones become brittle, thereby increasing the risk of fracture in the bones. Usually the hip bone, wrist bone etc are more prone to fracture. Dull pain in bones, Low back ache, neck pain etc may be present. Osteoporosis is usually diagnosed only after a fracture. Curvature of the spine may also be disturbed.

What are the causes of Osteoporosis ?
This disease usually occurs due to harmonal disorders like shortage of estrogen in women (after menopause) and androgen in men. Patients suffering from Thyroid problems, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cushing syndrome are more prone to Osteoporosis. Less intake of Calcium in diet can also cause this disease.

What are the tests done to diagnose Osteoporosis ?
Bone Density Tests like SXA and DXA to analyse the density of bones in various parts of the body.
Blood tests to know the level of calcium, phosporus, vitamin D, testestorone hormone and Kidney Function Test (KFT).
Xrays are also taken.

What are the drugs / treatment available for Osteoporosis ?
Calcium and Vitamin D to increase bone density and prevent fractures. Biophosphonates like Sodium Alendronate, Risedronate, Etidronate, Ibandronate, etc and Calcitonin hormone injection are the drugs generally used to treat this condition. Estrogen replacement therapy is also available.

As a patient of Osteoporosis what I am I supposed to do to maintain my bone health and prevent further bone loss?
Change Lifestyle to avoid fractures, avoid falling, take sufficient quantity of Calcium and Vitamin D in diet, avoid smoking/alcohol, do regular exercises like the ones given below.

Are there any Special Osteoporosis exercises ?
Regular exercises that pull the muscles attached to bones help to increase bone density and reduce the chances of fracture. Aerobics, Weight Bearing exercises, Walking and Jogging also improve bone density. Avoid heavy weight bearing exercises if bones are very weak.

Author: Umashankar

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Category :Health >> Tags: brittle bone, Osteoporosis, prevention of osteoporosis, treatment of osteoporosis
link : What is Osteoporosis ?