Popular treatment options for osteoporosis
The weakening of bones and increased chances of bone fracture are the major characteristics of osteoporosis. Bones become unusually porous and compressible like a sponge. This weakens the structure of the skeleton leading to easy fragmentation of bones. People think that only older women are affected by osteoporosis, but it affects both the genders. The bone density starts reducing after the age of 35 to 40 years, and the decline is faster in women after menopause.
Prime factors behind osteoporosis include genetics, the absence of certain hormones like estrogens in women and androgen in men, lack of exercise, lack of calcium and vitamins, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, history of rheumatoid arthritis, low body weight, and family history of osteoporosis.
Diagnosis is mainly done by X-rays and confirmed by bone density tests. In the early stages of the disease, there might be a slight pain in the bones or muscles, specifically low back pain or pain in the neck. As the disease progresses, the pain starts suddenly for no apparent reason and does not extend to other areas. The pain might become more severe if more pressure is put on these areas.
Best osteoporosis treatment is aimed at reducing the loss of minerals, enhancing the bone density, keeping in check the pain caused by the disease, and thwarting frequent fractures of bone. Osteoporosis treatments include medications, stopping smoking, cutting the use of alcohol, exercising adequately, and increasing the intake of calcium and vitamin D.
Osteoporosis – Treatment
The following latest treatment for osteoporosis is a combination of the diet, exercise, and medicine.
Medications
A series of medications are recommended by specialists for osteoporosis treatment.
Nutritional therapy
Maximum bone density is attained by the age of 25 years, after which decline starts accelerated by other factors. Adults near this age are advised to gain optimum bone mass by supplementing their diets with sufficient calcium. An intake of approximately 1000 mg daily is recommended. This can be done by including calcium-fortified orange juice, drinking milk, or having foods rich in calcium content such as salmon. Foods high in calcium, phosphates, and vitamins can help prevent and accentuate the osteoporosis treatment. Reducing the consumption of salt, limiting the intake of coffee, tea, soda and decreasing the indulgence of alcohol have been proven in scientific studies as effective ways for osteoporosis treatment.
Work out
Exercise is advised to maintain normal body weight. A weight-bearing exercise which is essentially light in nature should be carried out such as walking, doing aerobics, swimming or riding stationary bicycles among others. It has been seen in studies that exercise forces the muscle to tug on the bone helping it to retain density. Ensure that you consult your doctor before starting on an exercise regime.
Specialist physicians
A consultation with a bone specialist also called an orthopedic surgeon is necessary for managing bone fractures of the spine, hip or waist. Other than this, people with a history or heredity of bone fractures are advised to consult a physical or occupational therapist who can guide them about some safe ways to exercise.
Osteoporosis cannot be entirely reversed, but it can be effectively managed.