Osteoporosis is a disease of bones which makes them weak and more prone to fractures. Anyone can suffer from osteoporosis but it is more common in older women. In osteoporosis bone mineral density is reduced and architecture of the bone is disrupted.
In the beginning of the disease no symptoms of the disease are seen because osteoporosis doesn't cause symptoms unless bone fractures. Some osteoporosis fractures may escape detection until years later. Patient may not be aware of the disease until they experience a painful fracture. Typical osteoporosis fractures occur in hip, vertebral column and wrist. These type of fractures can cause acute radiculopathic pains in the back. Multiple vertebral fractures can cause loss of height and defect in posture.
Osteoporosis related bone fractures are responsible for considerable pain, decreased quality of life, lost workdays and disability. Up to 35% of patients suffering a hip fracture will need long term nursing home care. Elderly patients can also develop pneumonia and blood clots in the leg veins that can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) due to prolonged bed rest after a hip fracture. Estrogen is responsible for maintaining bone density in women. When estrogen levels decreases after menopause bone loss fastens.
The following are some risk factors of osteoporosis.
- Old age.
- Family history of osteoporosis.
- Certain medicines and drugs
- White or asian women are at greater risk of osteoporosis.
- Some people suffer from osteopenia which means low bone mass which is not as severe as osteoporosis
If osteoporosis is diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, the patient can led a productive and active lifestyle.
