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Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis means "porous bone." It means that your bones are thinner and weaker than they should be. Osteoporosis is the leading cause of fractures in older adults and is most common in people older than 70 and in women who have gone through menopause.
The Facts About Osteoporosis
Chances are you probably know someone with osteoporosis. This is the disease that thins and weakens bones to the point where they break easily. Osteoporosis affects more than 28 million American men and women.
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Osteoporosis: Understanding Bone Loss
The body is always making and losing (resorbing) bone. This process is called remodeling. Bone-making cells form new bone using calcium and other minerals. These minerals come from the food you eat.
Kyphoplasty
Compression fractures of the spine often occur in elderly patients and can be treated using a minimally invasive procedure called Kyphoplasty, which is performed by inflating a balloon between vertebrae to create a cavity that is then filled with cement. The procedure, though primarily for pain relief, can restore the height of the compressed vertebrae and make a patient's life more comfortable.
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Preventing Osteoporosis: Avoiding Bone Loss
Certain factors can speed up bone loss or decrease bone growth. For example, alcohol, cigarettes, and certain medicines reduce bone mass. Some foods make it hard for your body to absorb calcium.
Preventing Osteoporosis: Meeting Your Calcium Needs
Your body needs calcium to build and repair bones. But it can't make calcium on its own. That's why it's important to eat calcium-rich foods. Some foods are naturally rich in calcium. Others have calcium added.
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Preventing Osteoporosis: Staying Active
Exercise plays a big part in maintaining bone mass no matter what your age. The amount and type of activity you do also play a part in keeping your bones strong.
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Living with Osteoporosis: Regular Exercise
A variety of exercises is best. Physical activity will slow further bone loss. It can also be fun.
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Living with Osteoporosis: Preventing Fractures
If you have osteoporosis, you can do a lot to reduce its effect on your life. Knowing how to prevent fractures and spinal curvature can help you live more comfortably and safely with this disease.
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