Osteoporosis and How to Care for Your Bones at Any Age

It is a silent disease that often has no symptoms until a person experiences a fracture. In the United States, over 54 million people have osteoporosis or are at high risk of developing it.

Osteoporosis occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little new bone, or both. Bones become thin and fragile, increasing the risk of fractures, especially in the hip, spine, and wrist. In many cases, fractures related to osteoporosis can be debilitating and limiting, reducing patients' quality of life and increasing the risk of death.

There are several risk factors for osteoporosis. Advanced age, female gender, menopause, low body weight, lack of exercise, and a diet low in calcium are some of the factors that can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can also be hereditary, so it is important to talk to your doctor about your family history and risk of osteoporosis. Signs and symptoms may include back pain, loss of height, stooped posture, fragile bones that break easily, and bone pain or tenderness. In many cases, patients have no symptoms until they experience a fracture.

There are several types of osteoporosis. Primary osteoporosis is the most common and occurs naturally with aging. Secondary osteoporosis can be caused by a variety of factors, such as medications, diseases, or medical treatments. Juvenile idiopathic osteoporosis is a rare form of the disease that affects children and adolescents.

Diagnosis is made through a bone density test, a non-invasive test that measures bone mineral density. Results are compared to the average bone mineral density of a young, healthy person to determine if a person has osteoporosis or is at high risk of developing it. If a diagnosis is confirmed, treatment may include lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol. Medications including bisphosphonates, hormone therapy, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and denosumab may also be used. And supplements with calcium and vitamin D can also help.

It is worth mentioning that it is vital to keep proper control and treatment in specialized places in the field with professionals who are experts in osteoporosis. Below, we list the most recognized doctors and institutions in the United States in the field of osteoporosis:

American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR): is a scientific organization dedicated to researching, diagnosing, and treating diseases related to bones and bone minerals. The ASBMR is an important source of information and resources for physicians and other health professionals who treat osteoporosis.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS): is one of the medical research institutes of the National Institutes of Health in the United States (NIH). The NIAMS funds and conducts research on musculoskeletal diseases, including osteoporosis.

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS): is a professional organization that represents orthopaedic surgeons in the United States. The AAOS has a wide variety of resources and tools for patients and physicians who treat osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal diseases.

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE): is a professional organization that represents clinical endocrinologists in the United States. The AACE has a wide variety of resources and tools for patients and physicians who treat osteoporosis and other hormone-related diseases.

Dr. Ethel Siris: is one of the leading experts in osteoporosis in the United States. She is a professor of medicine at Columbia University and has dedicated much of her career to researching and treating osteoporosis.

Dr. Felicia Cosman: is the director of the Clinical Research Center for Osteoporosis at the Helen Hayes Hospital in New York. She is an expert in diagnosing and treating osteoporosis and has authored several studies and publications in the field.

Dr. Michael McClung: is the founder and director of the Osteoporosis Research Institute at the Oregon Clinical Research Center in Portland. He has dedicated much of his career to researching and treating osteoporosis and has authored numerous studies in the field.

Dr. Robert Lindsay: is the director of the Osteoporosis and Bone Metabolism Research Center at the Helen Hayes Hospital. He has dedicated much of his career to researching and treating osteoporosis and has authored several studies and publications in the field.

Preventing osteoporosis begins in youth, and it is ideal to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly, especially weight-bearing exercises that help strengthen bones. It is also important to avoid smoking, limit alcohol consumption, include a healthy and calcium-rich diet, regularly practice bone-strengthening exercises such as walking, running, weightlifting, and yoga, maintain proper posture, and avoid activities that may increase the risk of falls and fractures.

However, for those who have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis, it is essential to follow the doctor's recommendations, take prescribed medications and supplements, take measures to prevent falls, use appropriate footwear, and place non-slip rugs in high-risk areas. Osteoporosis is a treatable and preventable disease, but it requires attention and care. If you think you may be at risk for osteoporosis or have experienced any symptoms related to the disease, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent or delay the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for patients. Remember, prevention is the best cure and taking care of your bones is an everyday task.

References:

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021a, August 21). Osteoporosis. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351968

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023b, May 8). Osteoporosis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoporosis

Osteoporosis: Symptoms, causes, tests & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.-c). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4443-osteoporosis

American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR): https://www.asbmr.org/Default.aspx

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS):https://www.niams.nih.gov/

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS): https://www.aaos.org/

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE): https://www.aace.com/

Dr. Ethel Siris: https://doctors.columbia.edu/us/ny/new-york/ethel-silverman-siris-md-180-fort-washington-avenue

Dr. Felicia Cosman: https://health.usnews.com/doctors/felicia-cosman-15244

Dr. Michael McClung:https://health.usnews.com/doctors/michael-mcclung-6362 

Dr. Robert Lindsay: https://helenhayeshospital.org/about-us/robert-lindsay/