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is a disease characterized by low bone
mass and loss of bone tissue that may lead to weak and fragile bones. If
you have osteoporosis, you have an increased risk for fractured bones
(broken bones), particularly in the hip, spine, and wrist.
Osteoporosis often was thought to be a condition that frail elderly
women develop. However, the damage from osteoporosis begins much earlier
in life. Because peak bone density is reached at approximately age 25
years, it is important to build strong bones by that age, so that the
bones will remain strong later in life. Adequate calcium intake is an
essential part of building strong bones.
In the United States, nearly 10 million people already have
osteoporosis. Another 18 million people have low bone mass that places
them at an increased risk for developing osteoporosis. Eighty percent of
those with osteoporosis are women. Of people older than 50 years, 1 in 2
women and 1 in 8 men are predicted to have an osteoporosis-related
fracture in their lifetime.
According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of
osteoporosis among US white women past menopause is estimated to be 14%
in those aged 50-59 years, 22% in those aged 60-69 years, 39% in those
aged 70-79 years, and 70% in those aged 80 years and older. Significant
risk has been reported in people of all ethnic backgrounds. White and
Asian racial groups, however, are at a greater risk.
Osteoporosis Causes
Osteoporosis occurs when an imbalance
occurs between new bone formation and old bone resorption. The body may
fail to form enough new bone, or too much old bone may be reabsorbed, or
both. Two essential minerals for normal bone formation are calcium and
phosphate. Throughout youth, the body uses these minerals to produce
bones. If calcium intake is not sufficient or if the body does not
absorb enough calcium from the diet, bone production and bone tissue may
suffer. Calcium is essential for proper functioning of the heart, brain,
and other organs. To keep those critical organs functioning, the body
may reabsorb calcium from the bones for their use. Thus, the bones may
become weaker, resulting in brittle and fragile bones that can break
easily.
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Osteoporosis Symptoms
Early in the course of the disease,
osteoporosis may cause no symptoms. Later, it may cause dull pain in the
bones or muscles, particularly low back pain or
neck pain.
Later in the course of the disease,
sharp pains may come on suddenly. It may not radiate; it may be made
worse by activity that puts weight on the area, may be tender, and
generally begins to subside in 1 week. Pain may linger more than 3
months.
People with osteoporosis may not even
recall a fall or other trauma that might cause a broken bone, such as in
the spine. Spinal compression fractures may result in loss of height
with a stooped posture (called a dowager’s hump).
Fractures at other sites, commonly the
hip or bones of the wrist, usually result from a fall.
When to Seek Medical Care
If you are past menopause and have
constant pain in areas such as neck or lower back, consult your doctor
for further evaluation. If you are at risk for developing osteoporosis,
also consult your doctor for a medical assessment and bone density
screening.
Go to the hospital if you feel severe
pain in your muscles or bones that limits your ability to function. Go
to the hospital’s emergency department if you have sustained trauma or
suspect fractures of your spine, hip, or wrist.
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