Osteoporosis literally means “porous bones.” It is a condition in which the bones become thinner and weaker and, thus, more liable to break. Therefore, we will discuss Osteoporosis treatments and the benefits.
Osteoporosis Treatments
Osteoporosis causes about two million fractures ever year. Most such fractures involve the wrist, spin or hips. Hip fractures can be particularly dangerous, as the healing process requires staying in bed for a long time. This increases the chances of the patient developing pneumonia or blood clots.
Additionally, Osteoporosis is most common in older women; about 80 percent of patients are women. They usually have lighter bones to start with and the hormonal changes caused by menopause increase the amount of bone their bodies lose. If you have this condition, seeking out your options regarding Osteoporosis treatments is definitely worthwhile.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is an insidious condition that causes no symptoms during its early stages. Over time, however, you will notice the following symptoms:
- A bone that breaks more easily than expected
- Stooped posture
- Loss of height
- Back pain caused by a collapsed or fractured vertebra
Diagnosis of Osteoporosis
There are several tests we can do to measure the density of a patient’s bones. One of the most common tests is the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA). It is a type of X-ray usually on the hip or spine.
The DEXA scanner produces two X-ray beams; one is low-energy, and the other is high-energy. The machine measures the amount of energy from each beam that passes through the bone. Our doctors will use the results to calculate the density of your bones.
Osteoporosis Treatment Options
There is no cure for Osteoporosis. However, there are Osteoporosis treatments available that can slow the bone loss and strengthen weakened bones. Most such treatments involve a mixture of medication and lifestyle changes.
For example, both smoking and alcohol make Osteoporosis worse. Therefore, as a patient, make sure to drink in moderation and stop smoking. Also, patients need to make sure they receive the daily recommendations for Vitamin D and calcium to nourish and strengthen their bones. Eating foods with nutrients and/or taking supplements can help.
At the Arthritis & Osteoporosis Clinic of Brazos Valley, we offer customized Osteoporosis treatments for patients dealing with this condition. Contact us today with the link below to schedule a consultation at our office in College Station.
