Frequently Asked Questions
What causes osteoporosis?
There are several risk factors that can lead to osteoporosis. The leading risk factors are:
- Ethnic group – Caucasian and Asian women have the highest risk
- The risk rises in women over 50 and increases with age
- Women are at higher risk
- Men and women who smoke lose bone mass much faster than non-smokers
- Post-menopausal women
What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
A person may not be aware they have osteoporosis until a fracture occurs. There are symptoms such as backache, loss of height, a stooped posture, and fractures of the spine, wrist or hip.
How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
Osteoporosis has no obvious symptoms until a fracture occurs after the bone is already significantly weakened, it is important to go to the doctor if any of the risk factors apply to you. The doctor will take a thorough medical history that includes information on any recent fractures and may determine that the next step is to have a bone mineral density (BMD) test.
When should I get a Bone Density Test?
· If you are over the age of 65
- If you are under 65 and have risk factors for osteoporosis consult your doctor or nurse- your doctor will consider factors such as:
- Your age and whether you have reached menopause
- Your height and weight
- Whether you smoke
- Your daily use of alcohol
- Whether your parents have broken a hip
- Medicines you use
- Whether you have a disorder that increases your risk
www.womenshealth.org
What are the treatments for osteoporosis?
It is important to talk to your doctor about what is the best treatment for you.
There are a number of treatment options that have been shown to act quickly (within one year), to maintain bone density and to reduce the risk of having fractures. It is important that the choice of treatment be tailored to a patient’s specific medical needs and lifestyle. Common treatments that are currently available (although not in all countries) are: bisphosphonates (alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate), calcitonin, raloxifene, strontium ranelate, teriparatide and tibolone.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), although not specifically for the treatment of osteoporosis, has also been shown to have a beneficial effect on bone.
Calcium and vitamin D supplements are also usually prescribed, to ensure adequate intake, and to ensure maximum effectiveness of the drug therapy. Sufficient calcium, vitamin D and protein intake not only helps to prevent osteoporosis, it is also important in helping to maintain bone density and muscle function in patients diagnosed with osteoporosis. www.iof.org
What are the symptoms of vertebral compressions fractures (VCF)?
Pain associated with a compression fracture can vary from patient to patient. For some people the pain may subside as the bone heals, which can take up to two or three months. In other people the pain may continue even after the fracture has healed.
Sudden severe back pain, especially in older women, may signal a vertebral compression fracture.
One or more symptoms can be:
- Sudden severe back pain
- Worsening back pain when walking or standing
- Some pain relief when lying down
- Difficulty and pain when bending or twisting
- Curved or stooped posture
How can I prevent vertebral compression fractures?
It is important to treat the osteoporosis that caused your fracture to prevent future fractures. You doctor may recommend taking a calcium supplement, getting more vitamin D, and doing weight-bearing and strength-building exercises. Your doctor may also recommend medications to halt or slow osteoporosis.
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