The Silent Threat: Unmasking Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when bone density and bone mass decrease or when the structure and strength of bone change. This can lead to a decrease in bone strength that increases the risk of fractures.

Other symptoms include back pain, a change in natural posture, and shortness of breath.

It is a silent disease because you do not know you have this condition until you break a bone, including the hips, wrist or spine. Prioritising bone health through regular screenings, exercise, vitamin supplements as prescribed by the doctor, and adopting a bone-friendly lifestyle can mitigate the impact of osteoporosis.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

The symptoms of Osteoporosis are often overlooked early and felt when incidents happen.

• Back pain, caused by a broken or collapsed bone in the spine,
• Bone that breaks much more easily than expected
• Loss of height over time
• A stooped posture

Who is at risk for Osteoporosis

• Women (especially postmenopausal) due to lower bone mass and hormonal changes after menopause.
• Older adults: As bone loss accelerates and new bone growth slows
• Body frame size. Men and women with small body frames have a higher risk as they age due to less bone mass to draw from as they age.
• Ethnicity: White and Asian women are at a higher risk
• A family history of osteoporosis

How is Osteoporosis Diagnosed

A healthcare provider will diagnose osteoporosis with a bone density scan to check your bone density. It uses X-rays to show bone structure and how much calcium and other minerals are in your bones.

Healthcare providers sometimes refer to bone density tests as DEXA scans, DXA scans or Bone densitometer scans. These are different names that refer to a similar test.

Management and Treatment

Your healthcare provider will suggest a combination of treatments that slow down your bone loss and strengthen your existing bone tissue. Most of treating osteoporosis is preventing bone fractures.

Treatments include:

• Exercise: Regular exercise can strengthen and support your bones and all the tissue connected to them, like your muscles, tendons and ligaments. Your doctor might suggest weight-bearing exercises to strengthen your muscles and train your balance.
• Vitamin and mineral supplements: Your doctor may prescribe calcium or Vitamin D supplements.

Prevention for Osteoporosis

• Ensure a sufficient daily intake of calcium, a crucial mineral for bone health. Nutritional sources include dairy products, leafy green vegetables and nuts.
• Maintain Vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium. Fatty fish and fortified foods are sources of vitamin D.
• Engage in exercises such as walking, jogging and resistance training. These activities stimulate bone formation and help maintain bone density.

Precautions in case you have Osteoporosis

Be careful and avoid the risk of falling, remove tripping hazards, and use handrails on stairs and in bathrooms. Wear supportive, non-slip footwear. Engage in regular exercises that improve balance and strength, and maintain a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to support bone strength.