Osteoporosis is the major underlying cause behind brittle and weak bones. With a significant number of people suffering with bone disorders,fractures are being treated with a greater emphasis on osteoporosis led risk factors. So dont be surprised if your doctor asks you to undergo an additional Bone Mineral Density test to evaluate your bone on a long term basis. This would be based on your medical history and previous medical reports. World Osteoporosis Day is observed on 20th October every year. This year it focuses on spinal bone health and calls for the prevention of osteoporotic fractures. Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder of low bone density that progresses silently over a long period of time. The fractures associated with the disease can be prevented,if diagnosed early. Unfortunately,osteoporosis remains undiagnosed until a fracture occurs, says Dr. Harsh Bhargava,Senior Consultant,Orthopedics,Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. Osteoporosis risk factors include all factors that can lead to fractures. Risk factors include being post-menopausal,being thin or having a small body frame,smoking,an inactive lifestyle,excessive alcohol consumption and intake of medications like steroids. Also having a medical history of osteoporosis contributes to higher risk of suffering from the disorder. Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men due to several factors. Throughout life bones go through a constant state of loss and regrowth. As women age,the estrogen level decreases thus increasing the risk of osteoporosis. The onset of special bone loss begins in the 20s but it is small until menopause. After menopause it gets accelerated, says Dr. Shakti Bhan Khanna,Sr. Consultant,Gynecology,Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. The treatment for osteoporosis focuses on slowing down and stopping the mineral loss,increasing bone density,preventing fractures and controlling the pain associated with the disease. But it depends on the cause of your condition,severity of bone loss and the response to the treatments.
