Osteoporosis Treatment

Osteoporosis is known to be the leading cause of fractures in adults above 45 years of age. An estimated 75 million of people across the globe particularly in the United States, Europe and Japan are diagnosed with this condition. Approximately 9 million fractures associated with osteoporosis have been identified, in which 1.9 million are hip fractures and 1.4 million are fractures of the backbone. Osteoporosis is a condition in which there is a significant decrease in the bone mineral density or BMD. It is characterized by a decrease in the density of the bone, thereby decreasing its strength. This leads to bone fragility, subjecting the bones to frequent injuries and fractures. Risk factors of osteoporosis include women who are over 45 years old, have smaller body structures, history of taking certain medications and having close family members who also suffer with the same health condition.

Osteoporosis is a silent disease since no particular signs and symptoms attributed with this condition can be easily noticed. This health condition does not usually produce signs and symptoms. The pain and discomfort present for people who suffer from osteoporosis are due to fractures. These fractures resulted from the decrease in bone density. Lower back pain and discomfort is the most common symptom experienced by people who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. Those with this condition experience fractures even to simple activities that usually do not cause fractures to healthy individuals. Diagnosing this condition is performed through medical history, diagnostic examinations like X-rays, a thorough physical assessment and evaluation of signs and symptoms which are both previously and recently experienced.  

The goal of treatment and management for osteoporosis is to prevent fractures and other injuries that can be a result of a decrease in bone strength and density. Early detection and prompt treatment is important to prevent further injuries associated with this condition. Preventive measures that must be taken by people suffering from this condition include lifestyle changes and strict adherence to therapeutic regimen recommended by the physician. Lifestyle modification involves healthy diet, regular exercise and adequate rest and sleep. Cigarette smoking cessation and abstaining from alcohol are very important steps in lifestyle modification for people suffering from osteoporosis. When planning for physical activities, it must be kept in mind that bones are still fragile and therefore, activities, which must be part of the exercise program, must not be that intense and rigid. The client must be able to tolerate the form of exercise.

There is a range of osteoporosis treatments in the form of medications, which include Actonel, Boniva, Fosamax, Reclast, Evista, Forteo, Fortical, Miacalcin, and Prolia. The diet of individuals with this condition must contain high amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Examples of calcium-rich foods include milk, yogurt, broccoli, cauliflower, salmon, tofu and green leafy vegetables. Calcium supplements are beneficial for cases of osteoporosis. Vitamin D must also be taken since this vitamin aids in the absorption of calcium from the circulation into the bones. A healthy diet and proper exercise are proven to be effective in preventing osteoporosis, as well as in reducing the risks for having fractures in case osteoporosis has already been diagnosed.