If you or someone you know is over 50 years of age and has sustained a fracture, this could be a sign of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is the most common of all bone diseases causing 1.5 million fractures in the United States each year, and it is characterized by low bone mass (amount of bone) and disrupted bone architecture. The combination of these two factors results in reduced bone strength. This condition used to be called “brittle bones” and was considered a consequence of aging; however, today we know that osteoporosis is a preventable and treatable condition.
Osteoporosis is a silent disease. It does not cause pain – unless there is a fracture. People do not feel their bones getting “thinner.” In some ways osteoporosis can be compared to high blood pressure, another “silent” disease. High blood pressure increases one’s risk for stroke just as osteoporosis increases one’s risk for fracture.
Our bones are composed of living tissue that is constantly remodeling. In this process, old bone is removed and new bone is made. Osteoporosis occurs when this balance is altered and more bone is removed than replaced.
Risk factors for osteoporosis can include menopause, inadequate dietary intake of calcium, smoking, alcoholism, and a sedentary lifestyle. Some medications, particularly glucocorticoids (prednisone) are known to contribute to osteoporosis. Additionally, certain medical conditions predispose a person to osteoporosis. Some of the most common of these conditions include diabetes, kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, malabsorption syndromes (including weight loss surgery).
The DXA scan is a diagnostic test for those who may be at risk for osteoporosis. The DXA is a type of x-ray that measures bone density of the hip and lower spine. Results are expressed as “T- scores.” The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that all women age 65 and older and men age 70 and older have a DXA scan. Adults over the age of 50 who have risk factors for osteoporosis should receive DXA testing, particularly if they are considering pharmacologic therapy for osteoporosis.
People reach their peak bone mineral density by the age of 30. After 30, bone density begins to decrease. Because of this, everyone, regardless of their age, should keep their bones strong by eating a balanced diet that includes adequate calcium and Vitamin D, by getting regular exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise like walking, and by avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol.