Osteoporosis

Research has shown that one out of five women, age 50 and over, is at higher risk for osteoporosis. If treatment is taken early, however, than the risk of osteoporosis becoming an even bigger threat decreases tremendously.

Symptoms for the early stages of osteoporosis are minimal to none. A person normally doesn’t notice the signs until they are in the late stages of the bone disorder. Symptoms could include, but are not limited to the following: bone pain, up to 6 inches or more in loss of height, lower back pain, neck pain or stooped posture. People with osteoporosis can acqire the symptom called "dowager’s hump," more common in older women, when the shoulders become rounded and the upper back develops a "hump." 

The only way to diagnose osteoporosis is by doing a bone density study. This study tests the patient’s bone strength. This is typically done after a patient has had a fracture.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with osteoporosis there are treatment options. It all depends on your beliefs and what you think will work best for you.

Certain types of medication can help osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates is the primary drug that helps relieve the pain of osteoporosis. This is normally only used with women who have been diagnosed with the condition and have been through menopause in the past. Calcitonin is another drug used to battle osteoporosis. This drug slows the rate of bone loss and can relieve some osteoporosis pain. This form is normally injected or taken as a nasal spray.

Other forms of treatment for osteoporosis are exercise. With the right diet and exercise you can help relieve pain and strengthen the bones. Walking, weights, tennis, dancing, resistance bands, rowing machines, and stationary bicycles can help with osteoporosis symptoms.

A healthy balanced diet with 1,200 milligrams of calcium and 800 units of Vitamin D can help prevent osteoporosis. Protein can also help strengthen bones. Eating foods such as cheese, ice cream, low fat milk, salmon, sardines, yogurt, and tofu can all help prevent or treat osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is treatable and does not have to be painful. It is another one of the long battles women and men must face as age progresses.