Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which the bones become weak and brittle. This is usually the result of the loss of tissue, caused by vitamin deficiencies or hormonal changes. The most common areas affected by osteoporosis are the wrists, spine and hips. Due to osteoporosis, bones can become so brittle that minor falls, coughing or bending can cause fractures.

Bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and replaced. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone doesn’t keep up with the removal of old bone.

Osteoporosis affects men and women of all races, especially older women who are past menopause, as they are at the highest risk. Medications, a healthy diet and weight-bearing exercise can help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones.

Osteoporosis screening is performed in our Radiology & Imaging Department. We advise all women over 50 years old to undergo the screening, as well as younger women who have indications or medical history. The screening is done at the hospital using bone densitometry, also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry or DEXA, to measure bone density. At Danat Al Emarat, we specialize in diagnosing and treating Osteoporosis by our internists and endocrinologists.

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
While it is difficult to catch osteoporosis in the initial stages because of the lack of symptoms of bone loss, once your bones become weakened, the symptoms include:

• Fractures triggered more easily than normal
• Bent posture
• Loss of height
• Back pain due to a fractured vertebra

Causes
The human body develops bone mass over the years and peaks by the early 20s. You are more likely to contract osteoporosis if you have developed less bone mass at a younger age. The higher your bone mass is, the less likely you are to develop osteoporosis.

You are also more likely to develop osteoporosis based on your lifestyle choices such as excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco use and living a sedentary lifestyle. Other factors are your medical conditions, race, age and sex, as women are more likely to be diagnosed with osteoporosis.

Additional factors to consider are hormone levels, dietary factors, steroids and other medications, and certain medical conditions such as cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.