Tag: osteoporosis.

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OSTEOPOROSIS AND WAYS TO HELP IMPROVE YOUR BONE HEALTH…

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Osteoporosis (brittle bones) is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more prone to fracture. It develops slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a bone to break (fracture). Menopause can also increase the chances of developing osteoporosis because decreased oestrogen levels can lead to bone loss.

The most common injuries in people with osteoporosis are:

However, breaks can also happen in other bones, such as the arm or pelvis. Sometimes a cough or sneeze can cause a broken rib or the partial collapse of one of the spine’s bones.

Although a broken bone is often the first sign of osteoporosis, some older people develop the characteristic stooped (bent forward) posture. It happens when the bones in the spine have broken, making it difficult to support the body’s weight.

The stage before osteoporosis is called osteopenia. This is when a bone density scan shows you have lower bone density than the average for your age, but not low enough to be classed as osteoporosis. I was diagnosed with this two years ago but with the right treatment, you can still not develop osteoporosis.

I have been put on a calcium and vitamin D tablet which I take twice a day. A diet that’s low in calcium contributes to reduced bone density  (the amount of calcium and other minerals that are found in your bones), premature bone loss, and an increased risk of fracture.

Men do get osteoporosis but it is more common in women because women tend to have smaller, thinner bones than men, and may experience bone loss during menopause.

People who do not exercise regularly are also more at risk of developing osteoporosis than people who do regular exercise.

Several studies show that smoking is a risk factor for osteoporosis and bone fracture as does drinking lots of alcohol.

People who are very thin (with a BMI of 19 or under) are more at risk of developing osteoporosis, as they usually have less bone mass to draw from.

Other factors can also increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, including:

  • taking high-dose steroid tablets for more than 3 months
  • other medical conditions – such as inflammatory conditions, hormone-related conditions, or malabsorption problems
  • a family history of osteoporosis – particularly a hip fracture in a parent
  • long-term use of certain medicines that can affect bone strength or hormone levels, such as anti-oestrogen tablets that many women take after breast cancer
  • having or having had an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia

Some great ways to help improve your bone health include eating more vegetables, staying active, trying weight-bearing exercises, making sure you are getting plenty of Vitamin D by being out in the sunshine or taking supplements, eating calcium-rich foods, keeping your smoking or drinking to a minimum or not at all and maintain a healthy weight.

Source: NHS, Restless

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WORLD OSTEOPOROSIS DAY 20th OCTOBER, 2022…

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WORLD OSTEOPOROSIS DAY – 20th October – World Osteoporosis Day, marked on October 20th each year, is a prime time to spotlight osteoporosis. 

With this year’s tagline of ‘Step up for bone health’, IOF will highlight the importance of a bone-healthy lifestyle as the foundation for strong bones and a mobile, fracture-free future. New posters and related resources and communications will urge the public and patients to ‘step up for bone health’ by ensuring:

• Regular weight-bearing & muscle-strengthening exercise

• A nutritious bone-healthy diet and adequate vitamin D

• No smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol intake

As well, the important role of Fracture Liaison Services and targeted exercise programs and nutrition after a fracture will be reflected in campaign messages and resources. We will reach out to healthcare professionals and health authorities, who will be urged to ‘step up’ on behalf of osteoporosis and fracture prevention by ensuring that people at fracture risk have timely access to diagnosis and treatment, including post-fracture care.

This year The Royal Osteoporosis Society are launching a new risk checker to help people understand their risk of osteoporosis and learn more about bone health.

In just five minutes, the new online tool will provide people with free, tailored advice about their osteoporosis risk and provide practical tips on how to take action on their bone health.

Osteoporosis is treatable and fractures largely preventable but it’s important to find out if you are at risk. It’s never too early or too late to act.

Here is how you can encourage your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours to check their risk!

  • Talk to them about the importance of bone health and encourage them to check their risk
  • Like, share or re-tweet our posts on social media
  • Post on your own social media accounts
  • If you’re a volunteer, hold a session about the risk checker at your next meeting

Follow us on social media @royalosteosoc for all the latest updates and a link to the risk checker from Monday 17 October onwards. You can find links to all our social media below. 

WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS?

Worldwide, one in three women and one in five men aged 50 years and over will suffer an osteoporotic fracture. Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and fragile, so that they break easily – even as a result of a minor fall, a bump, a sneeze, or a sudden movement. Fractures caused by osteoporosis can be life-threatening and a major cause of pain and long-term disability.

Fractures due to osteoporosis have a devastating impact on millions of people worldwide and result in enormous socio-economic costs to society and healthcare systems. Yet, despite effective medical advances to reduce fractures, a minority of men and women receive treatment.

Only 20% of patients with osteoporotic fractures are actually diagnosed or treated for osteoporosis, the underlying disease. In 2010, in Europe alone some 12.3 million people considered to be at a high risk for osteoporotic fractures were left untreated.

History of World Osteoporosis Day (WOD)

The first occurrence of World Osteoporosis Day was noticed on October 20, 1996, held by the United Kingdom’s National Osteoporosis Society with the collaboration of the European Commission. Later on, in 1997 International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) organized World Osteoporosis Day (WOD).

Since its inception, Various organizations have supported the day, and in 1998 and 1999, the World Health Organization co-sponsored the day intending to promote awareness of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease. In 1999, World Osteoporosis Day was witnessed with a specific theme for the first time, and the theme for 1999 was “Early Detection”.

Source: Royal Osteoporosis Society World Osteoporosis Day Pace Hospital

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OSTEOPENIA AND BACK PAIN…

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Osteopenia is when your bones are weaker than normal and your bone density is lower than the average adult, but not so far gone that they break easily, which is the hallmark of osteoporosis. Your bones are usually at their densest when you’re about 30. Osteopenia, if it happens at all, usually occurs after age 50. The exact age depends on how strong your bones are when you’re young. If they’re hardy, you may never get osteopenia. If your bones aren’t naturally dense, you may get it earlier.

Losing bone density is a normal part of ageing. This happens at different rates in different people. In fact, many people have osteopenia in later life as their bones get older. It could also be due to genetics, medication taken for a different condition or having naturally smaller denser bones.

Osteopenia is considered a chronic condition, but it affects everyone differently. While some people with osteopenia may struggle to complete daily tasks without experiencing intense back pain or injuring a bone, other people don’t even realize they have this condition. 

UCF Health writes that “back pain is common in people who have osteopenia because the spine loses its bone density, which makes it more difficult to support the body. Without strong spine support, the body struggles to hold itself up to walk or to sit in an upright position.“

There typically are no symptoms in the early stages of bone loss. But once your bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, you might have signs and symptoms that include: Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra. Loss of height over time.

Having osteopenia does increase your chances of developing osteoporosis which then increases the risk of fractures. Chronic low back pain patients have an increased incidence of osteopenia and osteoporosis. 

If your mother or grandmother suffered from osteoporosis (we all know someone who does), you can also start to see the signs of osteopenia between the ages of 30 and 40, when bone loss gradually starts.

Bone density is measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). DEXA is an imaging test that uses X-rays to determine whether you have healthy bones, osteopenia or osteoporosis. It provides a score called a T-score:

  • +1 to –1 indicates normal bone density.
  • –1 to –2.5 indicates osteopenia.
  • –2.5 or lower means osteoporosis.

DEXA gives healthcare providers a “baseline measurement.” That means they can compare the current test results to future results to determine whether bone density decreases over time.

There’s no cure for osteopenia, but it’s important to look after your bone density as much as possible. Treatment involves a simple approach to keep your bones as healthy and strong as possible and prevent it from turning into osteoporosis.

Source: UCF Health Cleveland Clinic Web MD