Osteoporosis reduces bone density and makes your bones weak and brittle. This means bones are at alarming risk of getting fractured, even with a minor fall or bump. It is a common health problem, affecting millions of people worldwide.
What is osteoporosis?
The literal meaning of osteoporosis is “porous bone.” This is because the bones become less dense, and get more likely to break. In this condition, the body breaks down bone tissue faster than usual.
What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?
There are many things that increase your risk of developing osteoporosis, including:
- Age: Adults are more prey to this condition.
- Family history: You are more likely to develop the condition If someone in your family has it.
- Gender: Women have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis than men.
- Race: White and Asian women have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.
- Medical conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
- Smoking: Smoking is severely harmful to bones. It increases your risk of developing this condition.
- Alcohol abuse: Alcohol abuse can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis.
How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
Osteoporosis is usually diagnosed with a bone density test, such as a DEXA scan.
A DEXA estimates the thickness of your bones. The lower your bone density, the higher your risk of developing osteoporosis.
How to prevent osteoporosis?
There are various things you can do to help prevent osteoporosis, including:
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of calcium and vitamin D.
- Get regular exercise, and go hit the gym.
- Stop smoking.
- Limit alcohol intake.
- Consume more calcium and vitamin D.
5 Natural Ways to treat osteoporosis
- Exercise: Exercise strengthens your bones and improves balance. Which means no risk of failing and fracturing. Some of the best exercises include such as walking, running, and dancing. Yoga and tai chi are also good exercises for osteoporosis. They improve your body balance and flexibility.
- Yoga: Yoga is a low-impact exercise that improves your flexibility. There are different types of yoga, find one that is right for you.
- Tai chi: Tai chi is a gentle exercise. It improves balance and coordination. Tai chi is a good exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels.
- Weight-bearing exercises: Weight-bearing exercises strengthen bones by putting stress on them. This stress helps to stimulate the body to produce new bone tissue.
- Sunlight: It helps the body to produce vitamin D. Don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays. You can do this by wearing sunscreen and staying in the shade during the middle of the day.
The best treatment for osteoporosis
The best treatment for osteoporosis depends on the individual’s needs. While few people may only need to make lifestyle changes. Others will need to take medication or have surgery.
There are many medications to treat osteoporosis. These medications work by slowing down bone loss or by helping the body to build new bone tissue. Some of the most common medications for osteoporosis include bisphosphonates, calcitonin, and raloxifene.
In some cases, surgery gets mandatory to treat osteoporosis. Surgery may be used to repair a broken bone or to replace a joint that has been damaged.
Osteoporosis is a serious condition, but there are many things you can do to help prevent and treat it. By making lifestyle changes and taking medications. You keep your bones powerful and fit.
At Huntington Beach Radiology Center California. We offer a variety of bone density tests. Including DEXA scans, which can help to diagnose osteoporosis. We also offer a variety of treatment options for osteoporosis. Including medications and surgery.
