More than 200 million people worldwide suffer from osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to weaken and break more easily. The condition is most common in women over the age of 50, but it can affect men and women of all ages. Osteoporosis is preventable and treatable, but many people do not know they have it until they break a bone.
There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis, including getting enough calcium and vitamin D, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking.
Contents
Causes of Osteoporosis
There are three types of osteoporosis: primary, secondary, and tertiary.
Primary osteoporosis is the most common type. It occurs when the body doesn’t make enough new bone or when old bone is lost faster than new bone is made.
Secondary osteoporosis can be caused by certain medical conditions or treatments. Examples include celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, anorexia nervosa, and long-term corticosteroid use.
Tertiary osteoporosis occurs as a result of another condition that leads to bone loss. This type is also known as “acquired osteoporosis.” An example of tertiary osteoporosis is postmenopausal osteoporosis in women who have undergone surgical menopause.
How Does Osteoporosis Affect Your Body
Osteoporosis is a condition that results in thinning of the bones and makes them more susceptible to fractures. The bone loss is often gradual and painless, so it can go undetected until a bone breaks. Osteoporosis most commonly affects the hips, wrists, and spine.
Bone loss from osteoporosis can lead to several serious health problems. For instance, fractures from osteoporosis can cause chronic pain, disability, and even death. In addition, osteoporosis can lead to a decrease in height and hunched posture.
Diagnosing Osteoporosis Without A Bone Density Test
Some symptoms of osteoporosis include back pain, loss of height, stooped posture, and fractures. A doctor may also order a blood test to check for levels of calcium, and vitamin D. X-rays can also be used to diagnose osteoporosis. In some cases, a CT scan or MRI may be ordered to get a more detailed look at the bones.
Treating Osteoporosis With Exercise
Exercise is a vital part of treating osteoporosis. By maintaining muscle mass and strength, exercise helps to keep bones strong and healthy. Exercise can also help to improve your balance and make it less likely that you will fall and hurt yourself.
Bone density begins to decline in our mid-20s, but regular exercise can help to slow this process down. Weight-bearing activities like walking, running, and lifting weights are especially beneficial for keeping bones strong. If you have osteoporosis, it’s important to speak with your doctor before starting any new exercise program. They can help you create an appropriate plan that’s safe for your condition