Osteoporosis, porous bone, is a disease that makes the bone weak and brittle. It causes the bone to become so frail that random activities like bending over or sneezing may lead to a fracture. Men and women over 50 years are vulnerable to osteoporosis but menopausal women are at higher risk. Also, millions of Americans have low bone mass, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, and studies suggest that 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men over the age of 50 will suffer from an osteoporotic bone break.
What Causes Osteoporosis?
The bone is a living tissue and it constantly breaks down and replaces itself. Osteoporosis happens when the bone doesn’t recreate as quickly as it breaks down. The hip, the spine and the wrist are the most vulnerable body parts.
The following medical conditions have been known to increase the possibility of osteoporosis: rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, Celiac disease, irritable bowel disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, stroke, Parkinson’s, spinal cord injuries, sickle cell disease, diabetes, liver and kidney diseases, HIV/AIDS, COPD, emphysema, leukemia, organ transplant, scoliosis, etc.
There are no visible warning signs during the early stages of osteoporosis. When the bones have been considerably weakened, however, the following symptoms may appear:
- Constant fractures
- Gradual loss of height
- Stooped posture caused by a curving spine
- Collapsed or fractured vertebrae, leading to back pain.
Residents of Magnolia Texas that struggle with the medical conditions that are known to cause osteoporosis or suffer from any of the above symptoms should visit the Internal Medicine Diagnostic Center for Osteoporosis screening; the earlier the condition is caught, the better. Please call 281-252-8600 for any inquiries or to make an appointment.