Osteoporosis is a common bone disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when a person’s bones become fragile and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures. This condition often happens due to hormonal changes, a lack of calcium, and vitamin D deficiency. Osteoporosis can be a severe problem if left untreated, leading to mobility issues, chronic pain, and even death in severe cases. However, how do you know when this condition is severe, and when should you seek treatment? This guide will give you a better understanding of when osteoporosis is serious and what to do about it.
Fractures:
People with osteoporosis are more vulnerable to fractures than others, mainly in their hips, wrists, and spine. Fractures are an obvious sign that your condition is serious and requires immediate medical attention. If you’ve already had one fracture, your risk of having more increases. Repeated fractures can lead to debilitating pain, disability, and a reduction in mobility. Therefore, if you’ve had a fracture, speak to your chiropractor at CARESPACE right away.
Low Bone Mass:
If you have osteoporosis, you’ll likely undergo a bone density test to measure your bone mass. The lower your bone mass, the higher your risk of having fractures, making osteoporosis more painful. A diagnosis of osteoporosis usually means that your bone density score is two and a half standard deviations below the average score of a healthy young adult. If your bone density test reveals a score between one and two and a half standard deviations, you may have a condition called osteopenia. This condition means that your bone density is lower than normal but not as severe as osteoporosis. Even so, you should take steps to improve your bone health to prevent pain and fractures in the future.
Age and Gender:
Osteoporosis is more common in older people and women than men. Women have a higher risk of osteoporosis because of hormonal changes during menopause when estrogen production decreases, which helps protect bones. As women get older, they also experience a reduction in calcium and vitamin D absorption and metabolism, leading to decreased bone density. Men, on the other hand, usually develop osteoporosis later in life when testosterone levels decrease. However, men can also develop osteoporosis if they have a medical condition or take medication that impacts bone health. Therefore, if you’re a woman over 50 or a man over 70, you must get regular bone density tests.
Lifestyle Habits:
Several lifestyle habits can increase the risk of osteoporosis, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle. Smoking impairs bone cell function, reduces calcium absorption, and compromises blood flow to bones. Excessive alcohol consumption also impacts bone health by reducing bone formation and reducing calcium absorption. A sedentary lifestyle means you’re not getting enough weight-bearing exercise, which is critical for building bone density. Therefore, if you have any of these lifestyle habits, you should change them to reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis or to improve your condition if you already have it.
Other Medical Conditions:
Several medical conditions can increase the risk of osteoporosis, including inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gastrointestinal conditions that affect nutrient absorption, and eating disorders like anorexia nervosa. Certain medications like steroids, thyroid hormone replacement, and some cancer treatments can also impact bone health, causing osteoporosis to hurt all the time. Therefore, if you have any of these medical conditions, you should speak to your doctor about how to improve your bone health.
Osteoporosis is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s crucial to how painful osteoporosis can get, know when your condition is severe and when to seek treatment. Fractures are an indication that your condition has progressed and requires immediate medical attention. If your bone density score confirms osteoporosis or osteopenia, you should take steps to improve your bone health. Age, gender, lifestyle habits, and other medical conditions can all impact bone health and increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. Therefore, you should speak to your chiropractor about how to manage your condition and reduce your risk of having fractures. Remember, early detection is key to preventing long-term complications and ensuring a better quality of life.
