Osteoporosis

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is an incurable disease that causes your bones to weaken and deteriorate. The condition develops slowly, so you might not realize anything’s wrong until you fall or suddenly break a bone.

Osteoporosis can affect any of the bones in your body, but it’s most common in the hips, wrists, and spine.

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

The symptoms of osteoporosis include:

• Loss of height
• Change in posture (i.e., a hunched back)
• Shortness of breath
• Bone fractures

As the disease worsens, you might also experience lower back pain.

Who is at risk of experiencing osteoporosis?

Anyone aged 50 or older can develop osteoporosis, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Being overweight
• Being of white (Caucasian) or Asian descent
• Having family members with osteoporosis
• Having an underlying health problem (like myeloma, for example)

You might also experience osteoporosis if your diet doesn’t include calcium or vitamin D, which help build and strengthen your bones.

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

The only way to diagnose osteoporosis is with an imaging test called a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. Your Signature Internal Medicine provider can refer you to a nearby radiology facility for testing.

Once your provider receives your test results, they schedule a follow-up appointment and explain them to you.

Signature Internal Medicine recommends that all women ages 65 and older and all men ages 70 and older undergo a DEXA scan. 

How is osteoporosis treated?

Treatment of osteoporosis often includes a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, and prescription medication. Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen your bones and slow down their deterioration. 

Depending on your needs, the team might recommend:

• Hormone replacement
• Bisphosphonates (drugs that stop your body from reabsorbing bone tissue)
• Biologics
• Anabolic agents (drugs that help build bone)
• Vitamin D
• Calcium

If a certain medication doesn’t work for you, your Signature Internal Medicine provider adjusts your treatment plan as necessary.

How can I reduce my risk of osteoporosis?

The easiest way to reduce your risk of osteoporosis is to eat a diet that’s rich in calcium. Aside from dairy products, like milk and cheese, consider eating foods like sardines, broccoli, or dried figs. It’s also important to stay active by lifting weights; resistance exercises help increase bone density.

If you’re concerned about having osteoporosis, make an appointment at Signature Internal Medicine by calling the office or booking online today.