Osteoporosis, which means “porous bones”, is a bone disease characterized by weak bones that are susceptible to fractures. It occurs when the body produces less bone or loses too much of it. When bones are fragile, simple fractures and falls can lead to breakages.
More often than not, osteoporosis is a silent disease since bone degeneration is unnoticeable and painless. You can visit an osteoporosis doctor Georgia for regular bone density tests, especially if you’re 50 years or older.
Is Bone Density Loss Normal?
A bone is a living tissue that constantly grows tears and repairs itself. In young people, new bones are generated faster than old bones are broken down. In the mid-20s, most people reach the peak bone mass.
As you get old and approach 40, you will begin to lose bone mass in a much faster way than new ones are formed. This also depends on the
bone mass acquired in the earlier life.
Osteoporosis is more adverse in women after menopause as a result of the change in hormones. In fact, a study estimates that 25 % of men and
50% of women above 50 years will have a bone broken due to osteoporosis.
Often, you may not notice osteoporosis until you have a bone fracture. In the initial stages, you will experience mild pains and slight fractures. When bones become too weak and brittle, you may experience back pain, common bone fractures, hunched posture, and loss of height.
Apart from old age, family history is an increasing risk factor for this disease.
Sometimes bones may become too weak that even sneezing or coughing could cause fractures.
Prevention of osteoporosis should begin earlier, between ages 25 and 30. You can start by doing simple exercise and eating well. An osteoporosis doctor Georgia can guide you on what measures to take to prevent it.
Here is a summary of how to prevent this bone condition:
- Exercise Regularly
Exercising is one of the best ways to strengthen bones. You can do simple exercises at home that don’t require equipment. Take a walk to work or the grocer or having a morning jog, and gradually increase your tolerance.
Be sure to find up exercises that are best for the bones. Pilates and gentle yoga will improve your balance, posture, bone mass, and flexibility. This also reduces fall risk, which could lead to bone fractures.
2. Early and Regular Screening
Checking your bone density and quality often is a great way to keep away osteoporosis or treat it early enough. If you’re at high risk, you can begin bone scans at 50 or 65 if you’re in the less risky group.
Risk factors include:
- family history
- Health problems like
- endocrine and autoimmune issues.
- Medications such as steroids and
- proton pump inhibitors.
An Osteoporosis doctor Georgia will perform a DEXA screening if you’re above 65 years with more than one risk factor, especially post-menopause.
3. Healthy Nutrition
The deficiency of calcium and vitamins can lead to weak bones. It is, therefore, vital that you consume the right vitamins and calcium to strengthen your bones.
A daily intake of 1200 mg Calcium and 2000 IU Vitamin D will go a long way in making your bones strong. This will also depend on every
individual’s needs.
4. Spend Time Outside
Spending a considerable amount of time in the sun every day will help your body get more Vitamin D. 15 minutes should be enough to achieve this.
While at it, do light exercises and protect your skin from harmful rays using sunscreen.
5. Find the Right Doctor
If at some point you need to take supplements for osteoporosis, the right osteoporosis doctor Georgia will guide you through the medication. Several options are available, and the doctor will help you choose the one best for you.
Is Osteoporosis Treatable?
The precise answer to this is yes. If you’re past the prevention stage, your doctor will recommend a bone density test to measure the minerals and mass of your bones. The results will then be used for treatment recommendations.
You will be encouraged to eat healthily and avoid dangers like smoking as it accelerates bone loss. Hormone-related therapy will come in handy if you’ve got a high risk of fractures. And useing propper well-stood mattresses are a must.
Conclusion
While bone degeneration is normal, osteoporosis prevention boils down to lifestyle. Healthy practices like exercise, proper diet and regular screening will go a long way in preventing this disease. If you’re already affected, it shouldn’t worry you, as a good internist can help you manage the symptoms.