Osteoporosis

The density of bone mass reaches its maximum level around the age of 30. Thereafter, bone density is physiologically lost, accelerating in the case of women after menopause.

Osteoporosis is responsible for many spontaneous hip fractures and crushing of the spine. These fractures in the elderly represent a serious pathology that even conditions the patient's quality of life.

With the idea of trying to apply selective treatments to people whose bone mass density levels are compromised, we have DEXA densitometry, which allows us to accurately measure bone density levels.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease that affects the density and quality of bones, making them fragile and prone to fractures. It occurs when the body loses too much bone mass or does not produce enough new bone.

This condition is often called a “silent disease” because many people have no symptoms until they experience a fracture, which commonly occurs in the hip, wrist, or spine.

Symptoms of osteoporosis

Recognize the warning signs:

• Constant back pain, due to vertebral fractures.

• Reduction in height over time.

• Stooped posture.

• Frequent fractures with minimal blows.

Causes of osteoporosis

Bone densitometry tests are essential for women over 45 years of age to prevent or alleviate the symptoms of calcium loss in the bones.

There are a series of risk factors or decalcifying factors that should be taken into account since they do not allow the correct assimilation of calcium in the organism:

• Aging: as we age, bone mass decreases. This is natural, but in some people it occurs more rapidly, leading to weakened bones.

• Hormonal changes: In women, the loss of estrogen after menopause accelerates bone loss. In men, lower testosterone levels may also contribute.

• Calcium and vitamin D deficiency: Calcium is an essential component of bone, and vitamin D is necessary for its proper absorption. A deficiency in these nutrients can accelerate bone loss.

• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity decreases the formation of new bone, weakening the skeleton.

• Alcohol and tobacco consumption: Both habits negatively affect bone density.

• Certain medications: Some drugs, such as long-term corticosteroids, can reduce bone mass.

Prevention, diet, healthy and balanced life

Diet

A daily intake of calcium and vitamin D is necessary; vitamin D helps absorb calcium. Your doctor may recommend a supplement to provide the calcium and vitamin D needed.

A diet that provides adequate calcium, vitamin D, and protein can help prevent osteoporosis.

Some foods rich in calcium:

• Cheese

• Ice cream

• Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale

• Low-fat milk

• Salmon

• Sardines

• Tofu

• Yogurt

Exercise

Regular exercise can reduce the likelihood of bone fractures in people with osteoporosis. Some of the recommended exercises are:

• Walking, tennis, dancing, thai chi, yoga, exercise bike, rowing machines.

• Avoid any exercise or activity that offers risk of falling or high impact exercises that may cause fractures.

Imaging techniques: DEXA densitometry.

Screening through tests such as bone densitometry is crucial to prevent debilitating fractures, since it has no initial symptoms. Early interventions, such as dietary changes or calcium/vitamin D supplementation, can make a big difference in quality of life.

At the very least at the onset of menopause it is important to have a bone densitometry with the idea of having a baseline measure of what our bone density is at that time. Thereafter on an annual/bi-annual basis we can assess how our bone mass responds over the years.

This test should also be performed in children with intestinal malabsorption problems to assess whether they acquire the levels of calcium in bone appropriate to their age, in patients with chronic treatment with corticosteroids to see if they suffer a decrease in bone mass. It is also important in patients with anorexia, as damage can be detected and monitored, and in patients with hyperthyroidism or hyperparathyroidism. In general in any clinical condition that involves bone involvement.

It is a quick test (about 10 minutes) that involves a very low radiation dose.

Preventing and controlling osteoporosis is possible by adopting healthy habits and regular medical check-ups, especially for those in higher risk groups.

Although osteoporosis can be silent, there are steps you can take to take care of your bone health.