Osteoporosis is a condition commonly experienced in older adults. It impacts a significant portion of the population, and research shows 54 million people either have it or are at risk of developing it. If you or a loved one is above the age of 50, discover what this serious condition entails and how it can be treated below.

A Beginner’s Guide to Osteoporosis

What Is It?

Osteoporosis is a bone disease which occurs when the body loses bone density or no longer produces enough bone. It can also consist of a combination of the two. The condition is characterized by weak, brittle bones, which become so delicate that even mild stressors or falls can cause serious fractures. Injuries related to the condition typically occur in the wrist, spine, and hip.

Yet, an increased fracture risk is not the only symptom of this serious condition. Its patients may also experience loss of height or a hunched stature resulting from bone loss. Compromised vertebrae can also cause pronounced back pain. These symptoms often sneak up on patients, which is why osteoporosis is sometimes referred to as a silent disease.

What Causes It?

A patient’s likelihood for developing the disease is largely dependent on how much bone mass has been accrued in their youth. Peak bone mass is reached around the age of 20; thereafter, bone mass is lost faster than it can be made. Thus, osteoporosis is largely caused by the natural process of aging.

With that being said, there are a number of additional factors that can increase a patient’s risk for the condition. It occurs more frequently in patients with certain autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. A person’s sex is also a risk factor, as 80% of patients are women. Additionally, having a family history of the disease can also play a role in increasing an individual’s risk. Dietary factors such as insufficient calcium intake and use of certain medications are also considered causative agents.

How Is It Treated?

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease, meaning that there is no cure which can completely reverse it. Nonetheless, there are now many treatments available to significantly control symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life. For instance, medications can be prescribed to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of disease-related fractures. Additionally, targeted training using assistive devices can be implemented to help patients strengthen their bones naturally, which can also alleviate pain and improve bone density.

If you’ve been recently diagnosed with osteoporosis and are seeking an effective, long-term solution to help you promote bone density, you could be an ideal candidate for OsteoStrong® in O’Fallon, MO. This cutting-edge technology uses ten-minute weekly sessions to help patients improve bone strength, balance, and minimize injury risks. Sessions are led by trainers who tailor the program to your specific needs. Contact their team online or call (636) 238-8696 to learn more about this revolutionary solution.