What is Osteoporosis?
With an aging population and longer life span, osteoporosis is increasingly becoming a global epidemic and a major worldwide public health issue. Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones to the point where they break easily – most often, bones in the hip, backbone (spine), and wrist. It is characterized by low bone mass, a progressive loss of bone mineral density, disruption of bone micro-architecture, and an increased risk of fractures. Osteoporosis is called a “silent disease” because you may not notice any changes until a bone breaks. Bone is living tissue. To keep bones strong, your body breaks down old bone (resorption) and replaces it with new bone tissue formation (rebuilt). As people enter their 40s and 50s, more bones may be broken down than is replaced. Osteoporosis-related fractures are responsible for lasting disability, impaired quality of life, and increased mortality (death), with significant financial burden. With an early diagnosis of this disease before fractures occur, and by assessing the bone mineral density and with early treatment, osteoporosis can be prevented.
Causes and Risk Factors
Not everyone will get osteoporosis. However, there are certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood that a person will have loss of bone mass:
Gender
Women are at higher risk of osteoporosis, particularly after menopause, due to lower estrogen levels.
Race
Asian and Caucasian women, especially those who are small-boned
Body Weight
Individuals with a low BMI are at higher risk for osteoporosis, as having less body weight means less bone mass and lower bone density, which can contribute to weaker bones.
Old Age
As we age, bone resorption (breakdown) often outpaces bone formation, leading to a decrease in bone density, which makes bones more fragile and susceptible to fractures.
Estrogen Deficiency
Early menopause (age < 45 years) or bilateral oophorectomy (ovaries removed)
Family History
A family history of osteoporosis can increase your risk, as genetics play a role in bone density and bone strength, making you more likely to experience bone loss if close relatives have had the condition.
Lifestyle
Poor diet with lack of calcium and vitamin D, smoking, excessive use of alcohol or caffeine, lack of exercise
Other Medical Conditions
Hyperthyroidism, Autoimmune conditions – rheumatoid arthritis, SLE
Signs and Symptoms
Osteoporosis doesn’t necessarily show symptoms until they experience bone fractures or breaks. In its early stages, the condition often remains asymptomatic, making it difficult to detect. As the disease progresses, common signs include reduced height due to compression fractures in the spine, a stooped or hunched posture, and persistent back pain. Bone fractures, especially in the wrist, hip, or spine, can happen with minimal trauma or even spontaneously, highlighting the fragility of the bones affected by osteoporosis. These fractures are often the first indication that someone may be living with the condition.
How Osteoporosis Is Diagnosed
You can have a bone density test to find out how strong your bones are. Bone mineral density (BMD) is the gold standard in diagnosing osteoporosis. It is the measurement of calcium levels in your bones. Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) is the most widely used tool for BMD measurement. DEXA are noninvasive, painless procedures and uses low-energy x-rays that expose patients to much less radiation than standard x-rays.
Prevention and Management
Osteoporosis is preventable and treatable, but because there is no warning signs prior to a fracture, many people are not being diagnosed in time to receive effective therapy during the early phase of this disease. Early detection and lifestyle changes play a critical role in managing and preventing the disease.
Healthy Lifestyle
- Maintain a healthy balanced diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D intake
- Calcium and Vitamin D supplementation
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Limit caffeine intake
- Exercise regularly with weight-bearing exercises (jogging, brisk walk, climbing stairs, lifting weight)
- Quit smoking
- Take measures to prevent falls
Medications
- Bisphosphonates such as alendronate (Fosamax) etc: Help slow bone loss and improve bone density.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy: Used for women with estrogen deficiency to help preserve bone mass and reduce fracture risk.
Prevent Osteoporosis and Strengthen Bones with GHHS Healthcare
Osteoporosis is a silent disease that can lead to serious fractures, disabilities, and a reduced quality of life if left undiagnosed and untreated. Early prevention through healthy lifestyle choices, along with regular bone density testing, is essential in managing and minimizing the impact of osteoporosis. With the right steps, osteoporosis can be prevented and treated, ensuring strong bones for a better future.
GHHS Healthcare offers comprehensive solutions for osteoporosis prevention and treatment. They provide professional services, including bone mineral density testing through their advanced DEXA scan, which helps assess bone strength and detect osteoporosis early. With their expertise, you can take proactive measures to maintain bone health and prevent fractures before they occur.
By,
Dr. Corine Chua
MBBS (Mahsa)
Resident Medical Officer
GHHS Healthcare Center
