CHECK-UP:Osteoporosis leaves bones brittle and prone to breakage
IN ADDITION to not being as tall as I used to be, I also have a persistent pain in my back and a slightly stooped posture. I'm beginning to think I have osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is caused by the gradual loss of bone mass which leaves the bones brittle and prone to breakage. As we age we all lose a certain amount of bone material, leading the bones to become less strong.
Women tend to lose bone material more rapidly than men, particularly after the menopause, when oestrogen levels fall. It has been estimated that by the age of 70 some women can lose up to 30 per cent of bone density.
However, you are more at risk of developing osteoporosis if you are a woman who has had the menopause before the age of 45, have a strong family history of the condition and have a low body mass index (BMI). Those who smoke, take little weight-bearing exercise or have low levels of calcium or vitamin D in their diet can also be at higher risk of developing osteoporosis.
The prolonged use of steroids can also contribute to the risk of developing the condition. As osteoporosis tends to develop slowly over time without symptoms, for some it is only after fracturing a bone or symptoms of back pain or height loss that the condition is picked up.
Is there a special type of test I can have done to see if I have the condition?
The test used to diagnose osteoporosis is called a Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry or DEXA scan for short. This is a painless procedure, like an X-ray, usually taken of the spine or hip bone, which can check bone density and confirm the presence of osteoporosis.
If bone thinning is detected, preventive measures can help reverse the condition and make the bones less at risk of breaking, should you sustain a fall.
So what can be done to prevent osteoporosis developing?
There are several preventive measures you can take to reduce your risk of developing this condition. Regular weight-bearing exercise such as walking will help build up bone mass. Cut down on alcohol and caffeine and stop smoking if you are a smoker.
Check your diet and ensure your calcium levels are adequate. If osteoporosis has been diagnosed, then oral calcium supplements and drugs called biphosphonates can be effective in preventing fractures.