A systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture.
- Osteoporosis means "porous bones".
- Our bones are strongest at about age 30, then begin to lose density.
- More than 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, which is significant bone loss that increases the risk of fracture.
- About half of women 50 and older will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.
- Symptoms of Osteoporosis.
- You might not even realize you have osteoporosis until you have a fracture or an obvious change in your posture.
- In fact, you could have significant bone loss without even knowing it.
- Back pain, caused by changes in the vertebrae, maybe the first sign that something is wrong.
- Osteoporosis is the underlying cause of 1.5 million fractures every year.
- Spinal compression fractures are the most common - tiny fractures that can cause the vertebrae to collapse and alter the shape of the spine.
- Hip fractures can cause lasting mobility problems and even increase the risk of death.
- Wrist, pelvic, and other fractures are also common in people with osteoporosis.
- Our bones are constantly being rebuilt throughout our lifetime. Bones are made up of collagen, a protein that provides the basic framework, and calcium phosphate, a mineral that hardens the bone.
- As we age, we lose more bone than we replace. The greatest change in a woman's bone density comes in the five to seven years after menopause.
Risk Factors You Can Control
- Smoking, an inactive lifestyle, and a diet low in calcium and vitamin D place you at greater risk for osteoporosis.
- Excess drinking is linked to bone loss and a risk of fractures.
- Corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat asthma and other conditions.
- Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa or bulimia) can also take a toll on bone health.
Medical information from a talk by Dr John Alphonso Decruz an Orthopedic Surgeon from Hospital Sungai Long in July 2013 at Binjai residence Kuala Lumpur.
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