Osteopenia and osteoporosis are two bone-related medical conditions that people often confuse with each other due to their similarities.

Although these conditions are somewhat related, they are incredibly different concerning their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

What is Osteopenia?

Osteopenia is a medical condition that occurs when the bone density of an individual is lower than the standard density level but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis.

The low bone density in osteopenia is a result of the body’s inability to form new bone tissue or the accelerated loss of current bone tissue. This condition is often diagnosed in patients above fifty years but can occur in individuals of any age, more so if they have underlying conditions that contribute to the loss of bone density.

Causes of Osteopenia

Several factors can contribute to osteopenia, including:.

Family history of osteoporosis or osteopenia
Gender – women, especially above 50 years, are more likely to develop osteopenia than men
Low calcium intake
Low vitamin D levels
Use of certain medications like high doses of corticosteroids
Thyroid imbalances
Smoking and drinking alcohol

Symptoms of Osteopenia

Unlike osteoporosis, osteopenia doesn’t present many symptoms, and therefore, not many people are aware they have it. However, in advanced cases, people may experience:.

Receding gums
Fragile nails
Weakened grip strength
Bone fractures
Chronic back pain

Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteopenia

Doctors can diagnose osteopenia through a bone density test or DEXA scan after assessing the risk factors for the disease.

A DEXA scan measures the bone density of specific regions like the hip or spine, enabling the doctor to assess the likelihood of someone developing osteoporosis. In case of an osteopenia diagnosis, doctors will prescribe medications that slow down bone loss and increase bone generation.

In addition to medication, patients must also engage in regular exercise, eat a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and avoid bone-damaging activities like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a chronic medical condition that happens when the body loses too much bone mass and density over time, making it weaker and more fragile. When bones become too brittle, even minor impacts and falls can result in fractures and breaks.

Osteoporosis is often called the ‘silent disease’ because it develops slowly, and people usually don’t realize they have it until they experience a bone fracture.

Causes of Osteoporosis

The primary cause of osteoporosis is age. As we grow older, our bones lose mass and density, making them weaker and more prone to fractures. There are also several secondary causes of osteoporosis, including:.

Lack of exercise
Poor nutrition
Smoking
Alcohol abuse
Low vitamin D or calcium intake
Medical immunosuppression
Long-term use of certain medications like steroids
Family history
Gender – women are more susceptible to osteoporosis

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a silent disease that can go undetected for years until a fracture occurs. Common symptoms of osteoporosis may include:.

Chronic back pain
Stooped posture
Loss of height over time
Bone fractures that occur more easily than usual

Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis

The gold standard for osteoporosis diagnosis is bone density testing with a DEXA scan. A DEXA scan measures the bone density of specific regions of the body and enables doctors to assess the likelihood of someone experiencing a fracture.

Treatment options may include medication that slows bone loss or increases bone generation, and supplemental calcium and vitamin D to help build new bone tissue. A healthy diet and regular exercise are also highly recommended to strengthen bone density.