Osteoporosis is a progressive disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures.

It’s often referred to as the “silent disease” because there are usually no symptoms until a fracture occurs. Knowing the symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, and the available treatments can help prevent and manage osteoporosis.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

As mentioned, osteoporosis often has no symptoms until a bone is broken. However, there are some signs you can look for, including:.

Back pain, which can be caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra
Loss of height over time
A stooped posture
Frequent bone fractures, especially in the hip, wrist or spine

It’s important to note that these symptoms may not always be caused by osteoporosis and can be indicative of other conditions as well. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with your doctor.

Diagnosing Osteoporosis

The most common test for diagnosing osteoporosis is a bone density scan, which uses a small amount of radiation to measure the density of your bones.

This scan can help determine your risk of developing fractures and can help determine the severity of your osteoporosis.

Other tests your doctor may use to diagnose osteoporosis include:.

X-rays to detect bone fractures or bone loss
Blood tests to check for underlying conditions that can contribute to bone loss
Urine tests to check for levels of calcium and other minerals that can affect bone health

If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis it’s important to work with your doctor to understand how advanced your condition is, and to develop a plan to prevent further progression of the disease.

Treatments for Osteoporosis

There are several different treatments available for osteoporosis, including medication, lifestyle changes, and surgery. While there is no cure for osteoporosis, there are ways to manage and treat the condition to prevent fractures and complications.

Medications

There are several medications available to treat osteoporosis, including:.

Bisphosphonates, which help slow down the process of bone loss
Raloxifene, which is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that can help to slow down bone loss in women
Calcitonin, which is a hormone that helps regulate calcium levels and can help to slow down bone loss in men and women
Teriparatide, which is a man-made version of parathyroid hormone that helps stimulate bone growth and can help to strengthen bones

Your doctor will determine which medication is right for you based on several factors, including the severity of your osteoporosis and other medical conditions you may have.

Lifestyle Changes

There are several lifestyle changes you can make to help manage your osteoporosis, including:.

Getting regular exercise, such as weight-bearing exercises that help strengthen bones
Eating a balanced diet that’s rich in calcium and vitamin D
Quit smoking and limiting alcohol intake, both of which can contribute to bone loss
Using assistive devices, like canes or walkers, to help prevent falls and fractures

It’s important to work with your doctor to develop a plan that’s tailored to your individual needs and health status.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat osteoporosis or complications resulting from the condition. Examples of surgeries used to treat osteoporosis include:.

Kyphoplasty, which is a minimally invasive procedure that can help to relieve pain caused by vertebral compression fractures
Vertebroplasty, which involves the injection of bone cement into a fractured vertebra to help support the bone and reduce pain

Again, it’s important to speak with your doctor to understand which treatment options are right for you based on your individual needs.

Conclusion

Osteoporosis is a progressive disease that can cause bones to become weak and brittle, leading to an increased risk of fractures.

While the condition can be managed, it’s important to know the symptoms and risk factors, and to work with your doctor to develop a plan for diagnosis and treatment. By taking steps to manage your osteoporosis, you can help prevent further progression of the disease and maintain your quality of life.