OSTEOPOROSIS

 

 

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the amount of bone is decreased and the structure of the bone is impaired. Decreased bone mass results in thinner, more porous bones and reduced bone strength. Osteoporosis can cause bones to become so weak and brittle that even routine movements, such as bending over or coughing can cause a fracture, which is a major complication of this disorder. Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in the United States. osteoporosis is now considered preventable even though at one time it was considered a part of the aging process.

Osteoporosis Development

Osteoporosis develops slowly, actually beginning during young adulthood. It is often called the "silent disease" because bone loss occurs without symptoms. Active bone formation occurs up to the age of 30, when peak bone mass is achieved. Bone loss first begins between 30 and 40 years of age and nearly 10% of an individual’s bone mass is lost each decade, thereafter. Osteoporosis may develop with advanced age, particularly if optimal bone mass was not reached before age 30. 

Risk Factors of Osteoporosis

Factors that increase the risk of Osteoporosis:

Gender: Although men can certainly develop osteoporosis, the risk is higher in women for several reasons. Women have lighter, thinner bones to begin with. Accelerated bone loss after menopause (or early surgical removal of both ovaries) is a major cause of osteoporosis in women. Estrogen is important in maintaining bone density in women. When estrogen levels drop after menopause, bone loss accelerates. A woman’s risk of osteoporosis is equal to her combined risk of developing breast, ovarian and uterine cancer.

Race: While osteoporosis affects all races and ethnicities, people in the U.S. who are Caucasian or of Asian descent are more likely to develop osteoporosis.

Family History: If there is a family history of osteoporosis, the risk is greater that a family member will also develop it .

Being Thin Or Having A Small Frame: Small women, in body frame and weight, have smaller, less dense bones than heavier women. Eating disorders, as well as constantly dieting to lose weight, are also risk factors for the development of osteoporosis. This is believed to be because calcium intake is often not sufficient.

Inactive Lifestyle: Those who have a sedentary lifestyle have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis. Exercise is essential to maximize bone strength and bone density, the amount of bone tissue in a certain volume of bone. Weight bearing exercises are particularly beneficial. It is the type of exercise that causes muscles to pull on bone, which builds bone, making it stronger and denser. Weight bearing exercises include walking, running, gardening, dancing, playing tennis, bowling, aerobics and skating. Resistance exercises, such as weight training, are also beneficial because they help to improve muscle mass and bone strength.

 Osteoporosis and Lifestyle