What is osteoporosis?

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Wed, 21/12/2011 - 1:03pm

People with osteoporosis are susceptible to falls and need to take special precautions.

Osteoporosis is a common condition that weakens and thins the bones causing them to break easily. Osteoporosis is a leading cause of fractures and disability in ageing people.

In this article:

What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis risk factors
Osteoporosis diagnosis
Osteoporosis treatment & management

What is osteoporosis?

Bone is living tissue and our body normally replaces old bone with new bone. This process slows down with ageing. Osteoporosis causes loss of bone density and bone strength.

Osteoporosis usually affects the bones of the spine, hip, pelvis, wrist and arms.

People with osteoporosis are susceptible to multiple fractures. Multiple spinal fractures can cause chronic pain, fatigue, disability and stooped posture. Spinal fractures can go unnoticed at first or be attributed to "old age" even when they cause considerable discomfort and loss of height.

It is important to seek help early on as many fractures can be prevented. Older people with osteoporosis frequently fall and fracture the hip. Fractured hip is a leading cause of injury, disability and premature death in ageing people.

Osteoporosis risk factors

Osteoporosis affects both women and men. Ageing women are at risk of osteoporosis due to a decrease in oestrogen levels after menopause. Oestrogen is a hormone needed for healthy bones. A decline in oestrogen levels leads to a loss of calcium and other minerals in the bone at a faster rate.

Although men tend to retain more adequate bone mass as they age, they are also at risk of osteoporosis. Fractures in this group often result in more serious disability, even death. (Osteoporosis Australia, 2008)

Risk factors for osteoporosis include:

Family history
Female
Increased age
Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic liver or kidney disease, thyroid problems
Low intake of calcium and vitamin D
Smoking
Inactive lifestyle
Long- term use of some medications such as cortisone and prednisone
Low body weight
History of previous fracture

Osteoporosis diagnosis

Osteoporosis is diagnosed by measuring bone density. A bone density test measures the density or strength of the bones. It is a painless, quick procedure that involves measuring the density of the bones usually the hip and spine via a scan.

The test is called a Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA).
A doctor will recommend treatment options based on a persons T score. A T-score indicates bone density. They will also take into account a person’s medical history, age and other lifestyle factors.

The results of a T score will be:

Normal
Showing signs of osteopenia (low bone density)
Showing signs of osteoporosis

A bone mineral density test is a useful tool for monitoring bone mineral density and follow up tests could be performed.
Medicare can in some cases reimburse the costs of the tests.

Osteoporosis treatment & management

There is no cure for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis treatment focuses on preventing bone loss, increasing bone strength and bone mass. People who are diagnosed with osteoporosis can make changes to their lifestyle to help protect against further bone loss and fractures. Ageing people are at greater risk of falls and are more likely to be taking medications that interfere with calcium absorption.

There are several types of medication used in the management of osteoporosis. A doctor may prescribe or change a person’s medication to stop further bone loss, increase bone density and prevent further fractures. Chronic pain can be debilitating. Discuss pain management strategies with a doctor.