Compression fractures Bone fractures, particularly in the spine or hip, are the most serious complications of osteoporosis. Hip fractures often are caused by a fall and can result in disability and even an increased risk of death within the first year after the injury.
White and Asian women, aged 50 and over. While men and women of all races can develop osteoporosis, post-menopausal white and Asian women are at highest risk.
Osteoporosis means that you have less bone mass and strength. The disease often develops without any symptoms or pain, and it is usually not discovered until the weakened bones cause painful fractures. Most of these are fractures of the hip, wrist and spine.
An inactive lifestyle or extended bed rest tends to weaken bones. Cigarette smoking. Smoking is bad for bones as well as the heart and lungs. Alcohol intake.
Osteoporosis can cause painful and debilitating broken bones called fragility fractures. These fractures can compromise a person's ability to walk, cause deformities and loss of height, and significantly lower quality of life.
The Chance of Dying From Bone Disease. While the chance of dying varies by fracture type, the vast majority of individuals suffering from osteoporosis and osteoporotic-related fractures do not die directly as a result of their disease.
Bisphosphonates are usually the first choice for osteoporosis treatment. These include: Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill. Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill.
The fourth stage of osteopenia and osteoporosis
Without any intervention, osteoporosis can progress to stage four. During this stage the effects of significant bone loss become visible. Softening of the bones and accumulated fragility fractures, especially in the spine, results in deformity.
Examples include walking, dancing, low-impact aerobics, elliptical training machines, stair climbing and gardening. These types of exercise work directly on the bones in your legs, hips and lower spine to slow mineral loss. They also provide cardiovascular benefits, which boost heart and circulatory system health.
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes your bones to be weak and more likely to break. Organs affected by osteoporosis include the ovaries and thyroid gland.
Osteoporosis stage 4
Softer and weaker bones can show in the form of spinal deformities such as a bent-over appearance and pain with everyday activities. Most people at this stage have had one or more bone breaks or fractures.
Stage 4. In this stage, your osteoporosis is very severe. Your risk of fractures is higher than in stage three, and you may actually have symptoms. The severe bone loss in stage 4 leads to changes in your spine, such as a stooped posture,and loss of height.
In addition to managing your osteoporosis, it's important to avoid activities that may cause a fracture. Such activities include movements that involve twisting your spine, like swinging a golf club, or bending forward from the waist, like sit ups and toe touches.
Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, and climbing stairs, can help you build strong bones and slow bone loss.
You can prevent bone loss with regular exercise, such as walking. If you have osteoporosis or fragile bones, regular brisk walking can help to keep your bones strong and reduce the risk of a fracture in the future.
Many people can live well with osteoporosis and avoid breaking bones in the first place. But if you have had fractures, it's important to learn about the steps you can take to maintain a good quality of life.
Osteoporosis is Serious
In addition to causing permanent pain, osteoporosis causes some patients to lose height. When osteoporosis affects vertebrae, or the bones of the spine, it often leads to a stooped or hunched posture. Osteoporosis may limit mobility, which often leads to feelings of isolation or depression.
However, some signs and symptoms, such as receding gums, weaker grip strength, and more brittle fingernails may be early warning signs. A loss of height, a stooped posture, back or neck pain, and bone fractures are often the most common symptoms of later-stage osteoporosis.
Natural treatment of osteoporosis can include exercise, dietary changes, quitting smoking, and lowering alcohol caffeine intake. Supplementation of vitamin D and exposure to sunlight can also improve bone health. Such lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of osteoporosis and promote bone health and overall good health.
Based upon the meta-analyses discussed below, we suggest 1200 mg of calcium (total of diet and supplement) and 800 international units of vitamin D daily for postmenopausal osteoporosis (see 'Skeletal health outcomes' below).
Zoledronic acid is given once a year as an intravenous (IV) infusion to treat osteoporosis. It is also given every two years as an IV infusion to prevent osteoporosis. Zoledronic acid increases bone density and reduces the incidence of the spine and non-spine fractures, including hip fractures.