Osteoporosis
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis
occurs when bones lose their density, and you may hear this referred to
as "brittle" or "fragile" bones. Bones are made up of a hard outer
shell, with a honeycomb centre, which consists of many small struts of
bone. In osteoporosis these struts become broken or weakened, so
reducing the overall density or strength of the bone as a whole.
Osteoporosis affects 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50,
but is often undetected until the first broken bone, at which stage you
may be sent for a bone density scan to investigate further. However,
reducing bone density is a naturally occurring event in older people,
and so do not immediately worry that you have osteoporosis.
The
condition itself is not normally painful, although some people will
experience pain as a result of the associated broken bones. Due to the
reduced bone density, those with osteoporosis are at higher risk of
breaking bones, most commonly wrist, hip and spine. It is if this
occurs that you may find yourself visiting a physiotherapist to help
control the discomfort and to restore range of movement once the
fracture has healed. Please be aware, if you have been diagnosed with
osteoporosis' it is not appropriate for us to manipulate or "crack"
your joints, as there is a high risk of causing you further injury or
pain, however we may use a variety of other techniques, including soft
tissue massage, TENS, relaxation techniques, stretches or strengthening
exercises.
Osteoporosis Risk Factors
Women
who have experienced early menopause (before 45years old) or who have
had a hysterectomy may be lacking in oestrogen, which can increase the
risk of osteoporosis. Men with lower testosterone levels are also at
higher risk.
Factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis for affecting both men and women include;
-
High, prolonged use of corticosteroids, often prescribed to treat other conditions such as arthritis or asthma.
-
A strong family history of osteoporosis.
-
Prolonged immobility.
-
Medical conditions which affect the body's ability to absorb nutrients effectively, eg Crohn's disease.
-
Excessively low body weight.
-
Drink and smoke excessively.