Understanding Osteoporosis~~~

Osteoporosis is known to be the silent disease. The word “osteoporosis” literally means “porous bones.” Osteoporosis is known to affect millions of people worldwide. The proportion of population over the age of fifty (when the risk of osteoporotic fracture increases) has increased over the past decade.

Millions of men and women suffer from this disease without realizing it until fracture strikes. This is because, unlike other diseases like measles and chickenpox, people suffering from osteoporosis may not know they have the disease until a bone breaks. By the time the symptoms become apparent, the disease has already reached an advanced stage. Symptoms of osteoporosis include persistent backaches, a stooped back and loss of height.

Our bones consist mainly of mineral called calcium. It is the calcium in our bones that makes them strong. Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones lose calcium, making them porous or less dense and weak. Weakening of bones (decrease in bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue) is prone to bone fragility and increased susceptibility to fractures.

As a child your bones grow and lengthen rapidly, reaching their full length during the late teens. After this period of rapid growth comes the stage where the bones thicken. Young adults reach their “peak bone mass” at about age 25. Our bones undergo a continual process of renewal where old bone tissue is removed and replaced by new bone. This process is automatic and does not result in any loss in bone mass.

However as we age, our bone mass declines slightly. Whether or not you will suffer from osteoporosis depends on how much bone mass you have built up during your developing years and how much bone you lose after that. Women are more prone to osteoporosis after they reach menopause (when they stop having monthly periods) because their supply of oestrogen, a hormone that protects their bones, decreases.

You never know when osteoporosis will strike. Risk factors for osteoporosis have been identified. Certain factors like race and gender cannot be modified. It is possible to reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures by simple measures.

Bone loss starts from young adulthood. You can slow down the rate of bone loss. According to the U.S. National Osteoporosis Foundation there are some ways in which you can maximize and preserve your bone mass. These include an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing exercise, avoidance of tobacco use and alcohol abuse, and minimizing the risk of fractures. Children especially during active bone growth need all these elements to promote strong bones. Adequate calcium along with good nutrition including intake of Vitamin D will optimize peak bone mass (which is also genetically determined). These good habits should be continued throughout life.

Although prevention is always better than cure, those with established osteoporosis and fractures should not lose heart as treatment is available which can be tailored to suit them. Medications are available to help the pain of fractures, prevent further bone lose and even increase bone strength.

In the past, osteoporosis was linked to old age and was accepted as an inevitable part of the ageing process. Today, with a greater understanding of the disease, we now know that osteoporosis can be prevented. By taking care of your diet and lifestyle, you can greatly reduce your chances of getting osteoporosis.