Osteoporosis is a highly preventable disease. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, "Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans, or 55% of the people 50 years of age and older." The following information reflects common questions people ask.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease that affects bone density, its strength, and causes bone to become thin, weak, fragile, and increases risk of fracture. Bone is alive and throughout life old or worn bone is broken down and quickly replaced with new bone. However, osteoporosis upsets the normal balance of bone breakdown and rebuilding, which leads to gradual and sometimes progressive and devastating loss of bone density. Although any bone can break, osteoporosis often affects the hips, wrists, and spine.
Can osteoporosis be prevented?
Osteoporosis can be prevented in most people. Steps toward prevention include all 5 of the following recommendations:
Don't smoke, avoid excessive alcohol
Eat a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
Include regular weight-bearing exercise into your fitness plan
Know your T-score by undergoing bone density testing
Ask your physician about bone health and supplements
What can cause osteoporosis?
Some women and men are at a higher risk for developing osteoporosis. Risks include:
Family history of osteoporosis
Unhealthy diet during youth
Chronic dieting
Lack of regular exercise
Smoker
Small boned
Drink alcohol to excess
Certain cancer treatments
Can osteoporosis be cured?
Osteoporosis cannot be cured. However, treatment to help control the disease is available.
How is osteoporosis diagnosed and treated?
The first two steps involve (1) a bone mineral density (BMD) test and (2) determine why you are losing bone. A BMD is a simple, noninvasive scan that numerically rates (T-score) your bone density. Blood and urine tests are performed to help answer "why." Besides recommending a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D and weight-bearing exercises, the doctor may prescribe osteoporosis medication. There are many types of medications to treat osteoporosis, and your doctor will choose the best one for you.
Is there a difference between vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty?
Both procedures treat osteoporotic spinal fractures and are performed under general anesthesia using minimally invasive surgical techniques. One difference between the procedures is kyphoplasty uses a special inflatable balloon to help restore vertebral body height and reduce deformity. Both procedures stabilize the fracture and spine.
