What is Osteoporosis ?
Osteoporosis is brittle bone disease and bones are easily broken.
What are the signs of Osteoporosis ?
Many times one does not know they have the disease until a fracture has occurred. Fractures occurring after low impact are often a sign of osteoporosis. Spinal column fractures are manifested as a loss of height or a hunch back.
Am I at risk for Osteoporosis ?
Following are the risk factors:
- Dietary calcium and vitamin D deficiency
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Low body weight ( < 58 kgs)
- Menopause
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Medications like steroids, ant seizure medications.
- Cigarette smoking
- Excess alcohol intake
- Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
How should I be tested ?
The best test for osteoporosis is a DEXA bone density test . This is like an x ray and doesn’t involve any preparation.
Can I prevent Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis can be prevented by a diet with adequate calcium, vitamin D from sunlight exposure, regular exercise, avoiding cigarettes and excess alcohol.
