Osteoporosis


Osteoporosis SpineOsteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones occur typically in the hip, spine and wrist. While women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease, men also suffer from osteoporosis.

Any bone can be affected but of special concern are fractures
of the hip and spine. A hip fracture almost always requires hospitalization and major surgery. It can impair a person's ability to walk unassisted and may cause prolonged or permanent disability or even death. Spinal or vertebral fractures also have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain and deformity.

It is important to understand that bone is not a hard and lifeless structure; it is, in fact, complex, living tissue. Our bones provide structural support for muscles, protect vital organs and store the calcium essential for bone density and strength.  Because bones are constantly changing, they can heal and may be affected by diet and exercise. Until the age of about 30, you build and store bone efficiently. Then, as part of the natural aging process, your bones begin to break down faster than new bone can be formed. In women, bone loss accelerates after menopause, when your ovaries stop producing estrogen - the hormone that protects against bone loss.

Think of your bones as a savings account.

There is only as much bone mass in your account as you deposit. The critical years for building bone mass are from prior to adolescence to about age 30. Some experts believe that young women can increase their bone mass by as much as 20 percent - a critical factor in protecting against osteoporosis.

Millions at risk
  • Osteoporosis and low bone mass are currently estimated to be a major public health threat for almost 44 million U.S. women and men aged 50 and older. 
  • The 44 million people with either osteoporosis or low bone mass represent 55 percent of the people aged 50 and older in the United States.
Fractures

One in two women and one in eight men aged 50 and over will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.

Osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures annually, including:
  • 300,000 hip fractures; and approximately 
  • 700,000 vertebral fractures,
  • 250,000 wrist fractures; and
  • 300,000 fractures at other sites.
Risk Factors - Women

Certain people are more likely to develop osteoporosis than others. Factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis are called "risk factors." The following risk factors have been identified:
  • Thin and/or small frame 
  • Advanced age 
  • A family history of osteoporosis 
  • Postmenopause, including early or surgically induced menopause 
  • Abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea) 
  • Anorexia nervosa
  • A diet low in calcium 
  • Use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants  
  • An inactive lifestyle 
  • Cigarette smoking 
  • Excessive use of alcohol 
  • Being Caucasian or Asian, although African Americans and Hispanic Americans are at significant risk as well
Risk Factors - Men
  • Prolonged exposure to certain medications, such as steroids used to treat asthma or arthritis, anticonvulsants, certain cancer treatments and aluminum-containing antacids
  • Chronic disease that affects the kidneys, lungs, stomach, and intestines and alters hormone levels
  • Undiagnosed low levels of the sex hormone testosterone
  • Life Style Factors
    1. Smoking
    2. Excessive alcohol intake
    3. Low calcium intake
    4. Inadequate physical exercise
  • Age: Bone loss increases with age
  • Heredity
  • Race: Of all men, white men appear to be at greatest risk for osteoporosis. However, men from all ethnic groups develop osteoporosis
Prevention

By about age 20, the average woman has acquired 98% of her skeletal mass. Building strong bones during childhood and adolescence can be the best defense against developing osteoporosis later. There are four steps to prevent osteoporosis.  No one step alone is enough to prevent osteoporosis, but all four may.  They are:
  • A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D 
  • Weight-bearing exercise 
  • A healthy lifestyle with no smoking or excessive alcohol intake, and 
  • Bone density testing and medication when appropriate
Sources: 1) Johns Hopkins Medicine 2) National Osteoporosis Foundation
     
     
Vision & Health Newsletter courtesy of:
 		 Back to Top
Terry Berner, O.D.
Karri Buresh, O.D.
250 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

801-322-0467