Accucare Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, PA
1610 State Highway 88, Ste 103 | Brick, NJ 08724
Phone: (732) 785-5500
E-mail: AccuCarePT@comcast.net
Phone: (732) 785-5500
E-mail: AccuCarePT@comcast.net
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by a decrease in bone mineral density and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures, especially of the hip, spine and wrist, although any bone can be affected.
Essentially, osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak and can break from a minor fall or, in serious cases, from a simple action such as a sneeze. These fractures which occur when they normally should not are termed osteoporotic fractures.
Who is affected by osteoporosis?
• Female Gender
• Asian/Caucasian race
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Thin/Small body frames
• Personal history of fracture
• Cigarette smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Poor diet/lacking in calcium/vitamin D
• Individuals with certain conditions (Rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, hyperparathyroidism)
• Individuals taking certain medications (heparin, dilantin, prednisone)
What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis itself has no specific symptoms; its main consequence is the increased risk of bone fractures. However, if you sustain a fracture, you will notice pain in and around the area of the fracture.
How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
Osteoporosis can be diagnosed through x-rays; however, by the time osteoporosis can be seen on an x-ray about 30% bone loss occurred. The National Osteoporosis Foundation, the American Medical Association, and other major medical organizations are recommending a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan (DXA, formerly known as DEXA) for diagnosing osteoporosis. DXA measures bone density in the hip and the spine. The test takes only 5 to 15 minutes to perform, uses very little radiation, and is quite precise. Bone density is measured as a T-score and is compared by standard deviations from young, healthy bone mass. A T-score of -2.5 or greater indicates osteoporosis. A T-score between 0 and -2.5 indicates osteopenia, which is considered a mild thinning of the bones.
How is osteoporosis treated?
Treatment of osteoporosis is multi-faceted and consists of lifestyle changes, medications, and a structured exercise program.
• Lifestyle changes include stopping smoking, reducing the amount of alcohol consumed,
and consuming a balanced diet
• Medications include those that curtail bone loss, those that improve bone strength, and
those that increase bone formation
• A structured exercise program includes a core group of exercises that focus on improving
strength, stability, and balance
How does exercise help with osteoporosis?
Several studies show that exercise can help to improve strength, improve posture, and decrease risk for falls. Strength training can also help to slow bone density loss and even improve bone density, thereby decreasing your risk for fracture!
Helpful resources:
State of NJ Dept of Health & Senior Services:
http://nj.gov/health/senior/osteo/whatis.shtml
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bonehealth/
(NACDD) Osteoporosis Council/Osteoporosis
http://www.chronicdisease.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3318
National Osteoporosis Foundation
http://www.osteo.org
NJ Resource Guide for Women
http://state.nj.us/dca/dow/njresguidewomen/njresguidewomen.shtml
US FDA
http://www.fda.gov/women/pubs.html
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/
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