Osteoporosis Is Not Necessarily an Old Age Disease

Osteoporosis is a disease of bones in which the sufferer has weak bones that can break easily. It is the result of loss in bone density and thinning of bones. Many people have this perception that osteoporosis is an old age disease but no, it can happen to anyone in any age.

Osteoporosis is most commonly found in females. It affects all the bones in a body. But the most common regions that are affected are spine aka vertebrae, hip and wrist. Spine supports the whole body, it helps one to stand and sit up properly. Vertebral Osteoporosis causes serious problems. Daily activities like stair climbing, bending and lifting heavy objects can result into a fracture in this area.

The common signs of Osteoporosis are sloping shoulders, continuous back pain, hunched posture, neck pain, bone pain and curve in the back. People suffering from Osteoporosis have fragile bones and they have weakness most of the times. They cannot walk nor do much physical activities.

The main cause of Osteoporosis in women is a drop in estrogen during menopause and a drop in testosterone in men. Though any age people can get affected by Osteoporosis, the high risk age bracket in women who are affected is over 50 years and over 70 years of age in men. The other causes of Osteoporosis are rheumatoid arthritis, kidney diseases, deficiency of vitamin D and being confined to bed for long time.

Osteoporosis can be diagnosed with the help of radiography and by measuring the bone mineral density (BMD). BMD is mostly measured using a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Along with this some blood tests are also required to detect the underlying causes of Osteoporosis. There are a few more ways which can help one to detect Osteoporosis.

One can easily prevent Osteoporosis by incorporating a healthy lifestyle. Include enough calcium and vitamin D in everyday food habits.  Eat a healthy diet and stay active. Reduce on alcohol and smoke. Strive for healthy bones to keep Osteoporosis at bay.