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01 May 2010
Osteoporosis, literally meaning porous bone, is a painful condition that affects millions of people across the United States. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation , osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and a deterioration of bone tissue. This typically leads to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures. In the simplest terms, osteoporosis is when the bone becomes so weak that a break can occur by a minor fall or, in the worst cases, by a simple action such as sneezing.
Most common in women, osteoporosis frequently goes undiagnosed in men. According to Everyday Health online, women have a lower bone density than men, and 68 percent of the 44 million people at risk for osteoporosis are women. Women also have an accelerated rate of bone loss in comparison with men.
Osteoporosis is commonly called a “silent disease,” as there is no way to tell if your bones are weakening. There are a few telltale signs that you may have osteoporosis – back pain and changes in posture are the most obvious and often point to a spinal compression fracture.
According to Betterbones.com, there are currently an estimated 500,000 vertebral or spinal compression fractures per year. This number may be higher, as compression fractures often go undiagnosed. Multiple spinal fractures can cause deformities in the spine, which can lead to a loss in height and a stooped posture.
To aid in the maintenance of healthy bones, it is crucial to maintain the correct amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Taken concurrently, calcium and vitamin D act as bricks and mortar in the bones, as the body cannot absorb calcium without vitamin D. Calcium can be obtained from a supplement, and can be found in calcium fortified foods and drinks. Vitamin D is formed naturally by the body after exposure to sunlight. According to the National Institute of Health, fifteen minutes in the sun a few times a week without sunscreen is plenty for most people to manufacture and store all of the vitamin D their bodies need. There are a limited number of foods that include vitamin D, and so if there is a reason you cannot obtain vitamin D from the sun, it is recommended to take a vitamin D supplement.
For more information regarding osteoporosis, refer to the upcoming osteoporosis episode of The Pain Show where we will cover osteoporosis and the effects of a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
The content on this website is for educational purposes only, and is in no way intended to replace your physician's advice. Please always consult your doctor before taking any advice learned here or on any other website.
