Osteoporosis, literally means ‘porous bone’, is a disease in which the bone mass and bone strength are reduced. As we get older, we are unable to replace the bone tissue as quickly as we lose it. Osteoporosis occurs when new bone formation does not match the bone loss. Osteoporosis is a common disease that makes the bones thinner and thus more likely to break.
Osteoporosis can be present without any symptoms for decades as it doesn’t show any symptoms until a bone breaks (fractures). Surprisingly, some osteoporotic fractures may escape detection for years if they do not cause symptoms. Therefore, patients may not be aware of their osteoporosis until they suffer a painful fracture.
Some risk factors which make you more susceptible to osteoporosis:
If your are suffering any back ache, neck pain or muscle pain you must consult a doctor to see if a bone density test is needed. These scans use very small amounts of radiation to see how strong your bones are.
Many osteoporosis treatments stop bone loss and lower your chances of fractures. Small changes in your diet and lifestyle along with medications help slow down bone loss or build new bone.
Some healthy habits can help prevent osteoporosis and fractures: