Discussion topics

Diagnosing osteoporosis

A medical evaluation for osteoporosis includes your medical history, measuring your height, examining your spine for curvature, x-rays, bone mineral density (BMD) test and lab tests.

Finding a healthcare provider

Finding a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about osteoporosis can be difficult. There is no physician specialty solely dedicated to osteoporosis, nor is there a certification program for health professionals who treat the disease. Over time, some doctors in various medical specialties have gained the knowledge and expertise to diagnose and treat people with osteoporosis. Note: There is a Bone Mineral Density Testing Certification Program for healthcare professionals.

How did I get osteoporosis?

Several risk factors can increase your chances of developing osteoporosis: gender, family history and lifestyle are just a few examples. Some medications and medical conditions may also cause bone loss.

Osteopenia (low bone density)

Osteopenia is the medical term for bone density that is lower than normal, but not low enough to be diagnosed as osteoporosis. Osteopenia, like osteoporosis, is diagnosed by a bone mineral density (BMD) test. Some people take an osteoporosis medication to prevent osteopenia from advancing to osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis/Osteopenia treatment

Recommendations for optimizing bone health include calcium, vitamin D, exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Remember that some prescription medications and chronic diseases can cause bone loss. Your healthcare provider might prescribe an osteoporosis medication to help preserve and build bone density and prevent fractures.

Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

Eighty percent of people who have osteoporosis are women. A woman's risk of osteoporosis is equal to her combined risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer. Half of all women over 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis.

Premenopausal women (ages 25-50) with osteoporosis

There are several medical conditions that develop in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood that can interfere with a woman's ability to achieve her optimal bone mass and put her at risk for premenopausal osteoporosis.

Men with osteoporosis or osteopenia

Men can experience a marked bone loss as they age due to a decrease in sex steroid levels, exercise and dietary calcium intake and absorption. Men over 50 are more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than they are to get prostate cancer.

Children with low bone density or bone loss

There is generally no accepted definition of osteoporosis in children. Low bone density in children is most commonly due to other medical conditions or medications used to treat certain diseases. Sometimes there is no known cause for low bone density in children.

Diseases and health conditions that can cause bone loss

Certain diseases and health conditions can cause bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis. In some cases, when the disease is found and treated, bone health improves. With proper treatment, most people can live well with these diseases and health conditions. Living well also involves taking good care of your bones.

Caregivers - Caring for family and friends

An important part of the lives of many people is taking caring of others. Sometimes, this means providing care for a child, parent, grandparent or even a friend. Caring also means taking care of yourself.

Osteoporosis medications

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved medications to prevent and treat osteoporosis. While the FDA has approved these medications for postmenopausal women, none have been approved yet for premenopausal women. Only some are approved for men. No natural or alternatives treatments have been studied enough for us to know if they will help with osteoporosis.

Vitamins and supplements

People should get as much of their nutrition as possible from the foods they eat. Ask your healthcare provider whether you need to take a vitamin or supplement. Remember that your pharmacist may also be able to answer questions you have. Note: The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) does not recommend any specific brand or product for vitamins and supplements.

Exercise

We know most about two types of exercise that build and maintain bone density. These are weight-bearing and resistance/strengthening exercises. Examples of weight-bearing exercises are walking, jogging, stair climbing and team sports. Examples of resistance or strengthening exercises are those that use free weights, resistance machines and exercise bands. Note: If you have bone loss or osteoporosis or if you are frail, always check with your healthcare provider first before starting a new exercise program.

Pain relief

For some people, recovery from a broken bone can be a long and painful process. Sometimes pain continues even after the broken bone heals. In addition to medications, there may be other ways to help relieve the pain. Some examples are acupuncture, biofeedback and relaxation techniques. Always check with your healthcare provider about the best way to manage your pain. Note: The information shared by members of the community does not constitute an endorsement by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF).

Assistive devices

Today there are many devices and different types of equipment to assist people to help keep them safe and prevent falls. Check with your healthcare provider before using an assistive device or equipment to make sure that it is safe and appropriate for you. Note: The information shared by members of the community does not constitute an endorsement by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF).

Guidelines to safe movement and fall prevention

When a person with osteoporosis falls they are more likely to break a bone in the hip, spine or wrist. More than 90 percent of hip fractures are associated with osteoporosis. Fractures can be serious and limit your ability to lead an active, independent life. For people with bone loss in the spine (backbone), activities that place stress on the spine can increase the likelihood of a broken bone in the spine (vertebral fracture). Avoid activities that twist or bend the spine. Keep good posture and use proper body mechanics. For some people, picking up a grandchild or even coughing or sneezing can cause a bone to break in the spine.

Prescription assistance and insurance issues

Find resources to help you get the help you need.

Clinical trials

Some people choose to participate in a clinical trial. This is also called a research study or clinical research. Clinical trials play an important role in learning more about different diseases and treatments as well as health and nutrition. It is important to know your rights as a volunteer before participating in a clinical trial. Helpful Web sites about clinical trials include: www.centerwatch.com, www.ciscrp.org, www.clinicaltrials.com, and www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Organizations for information, activities and resources

Throughout the country, there are many community, state and national organizations that provide health information, activities and resources to help people.

Books, videos and other resources

Many people have favorite books, videos and other resources that provide health information. Keep in mind that some information in books and videos and on the Internet may not be accurate or based on sound science. Note: The recommendations by members of the community do not constitute an endorsement by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF).

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