Understanding Osteoporosis

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and fragile, making them more likely to break (fracture). It is sometimes called a "silent disease" because most people have no symptoms until a bone breaks. Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the hip, spine, and wrist.

Osteoporosis is unfortunately very common. About 50% of women and 20% of men will experience a fracture related to osteoporosis in their lifetime. This is important because fractures can significantly reduce quality of life - causing pain, decreased mobility, and reduced independence.


How is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?

If you have already suffered a fracture not related to forceful trauma, you already have a clinical diagnosis of osteoporosis.

Otherwise, DEXA scan is used to screen and evaluate bone mineral density and is reported as a T score. A T-score of -2.5 or less (ex -3.0) is defined as osteoporosis.

How Can I Reduce My Risk of Developing Osteoporosis?

A combination of exercise and getting enough calcium and vitamin D can help prevent osteoporosis.

Calcium: Getting around 1200mg of calcium from your diet/food is best: dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese), leafy green vegetables and tofu are some examples of calcium rich foods. If you cannot get enough from food, a calcium supplement can help get you to 1200mg.

Vitamin D: Most people working indoors are not getting enough vitamin D, taking 1000 IU supplement once a day is generally safe. If you are deficient on labs, your doctor may recommend much higher doses. Your doctor can check your vitamin D level with a simple blood test.

Stay Physically Active: Resistance exercises (lifting weights, using resistance bands, push-ups, squats) help strengthen both muscles and bones. It also helps your body build stronger bones and prevent osteoporosis. Balance exercises (standing on one foot, heel raises, tai chi) can help prevent falls. Tai chi has strong evidence for reducing falls more than stretching and other forms of exercise.

What are Treatment Options for Osteoporosis?

Fortunately, there are many medications now available to treat osteoporosis that effectively reduce fracture risk. Some are pills taken once a day or once a week. Some are infusions taken monthly, biannually, or annually. Some are daily subcutaneous injections that you can administer at home. The best option for each patient is different based on severity of osteoporosis and other individual factors.