Raleigh Osteoporosis Clinic

Osteoporosis is a condition of the bones that occurs when the body is producing too little bone or losing the bone structure it has or both. The result is that the bone becomes weak and can break easily in a fall, sudden impact, or even a sharp sneeze.

Osteoporosis means “porous bone.” This is because a healthy bone, when viewed under a microscope, has a structure much like a honeycomb. But in bones affected by osteoporosis, the spaces between the structures become much larger and the bone density is reduced. Bones that have lost density and mass due to osteoporosis may also have abnormal tissue structures and this can lead to loss of structural integrity and reduced bone density.

It has been found that as many as 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and reduced bone mass making them susceptible to the complications that come from this condition. Studies have shown that 1 out of every 2 women, and one out of every 4 men will break a bone due to osteoporosis after they reach the age of 50.

Breaking a bone is a serious complication that can occur as a result of osteoporosis, as patients get older this risk increases. Patients suffering from osteoporosis are especially likely to break bones of the hip, spine, or wrist. In addition to the pains caused by osteoporosis, this condition can also cause a loss in height. When the condition begins affecting the bones of the spine patients can begin to develop a hunched posture.

Osteoporosis can also begin affecting the mobility of the person and this can lead to complications like depression and feelings of isolation. It has been noted that 20% of Americans that break a hip from osteoporosis will die within a year of the accident either from the surgery meant to address the issue or from complications that arise from the incident. Many patients suffering from this condition will need a long recovery period.

Osteoporosis causes an excess of 2 million broken bones each year and this results in about $19 billion in costs related to addressing accidents. It has been estimated that by 2015, osteoporosis will be responsible for about 3 million fractures and 23 billion dollars in health care each year.

Osteoporosis has been called the silent killer because it is a condition that can sneak up with little warning. No one feels their bones losing mass. The first symptom many will experience will be a broken bone or a noticeable reduction in their height. If either of these conditions occurs, professional medical health is needed.

There are certain conditions and some medical procedures that can increase the likelihood of contracting osteoporosis. If you have any of the conditions listed below, you must get medical advice on how to best keep your bones healthy.

Temporarily decreases bone density for a short duration as a normal part of lactation and pregnancy. It is very rare to suffer a broken bone during this time.

Some of the most common fractures that can occur include small fractures of the spine., but PLO has been connected to fractures of the hips and other fractures as well.

Most commonly, PLO is detected after the pregnancy and lactation period is over and the woman is experiencing back pains caused by the fractures she sustained.

Some women who are suffering from PLO had a diagnosis of osteoporosis before they became pregnant, but this is rare and most women with PLO have not been diagnosed or even had a bone density test performed before the onset of any symptoms.

Certain medications can also have a bad effect on bone mass, even if they are beneficial to another condition. Bone loss is a greater risk with the amount of time the medication has been taken.

It is very important to talk to your health care provider about the risks and benefits involved with taking any medications. But if you do find out that a medication you are taking could be affecting the bone structure, it would be a good idea to discuss the issue with your health provider. Do not discontinue your medication without a doctor’s order to do so. Your health provider can help you find a solution that will treat your current conditions and cause minimal problems for your bones.

Steroid medication can be a life-saving treatment in some conditions, but it can also contribute to bone loss and subsequently osteoporosis. But these should not be confused with anabolic steroids that are taken by bodybuilders, that is something completely different.

Steroids are very much like certain chemicals produced in the body. Steroid medication can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions including Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, lupus, and allergic conditions. They can also be used to relieve inflammation.

Steroid medication may also be used to treat certain types of cancer or autoimmune conditions as well as in the support of organ transplants. Some of the more common types of steroid medication you will find today include:

• Cortisone

• Dexamethasone (Decadron®)

• Prednisone

• Methylprednisolone (Medrol®)

Taking any steroid medication over 5mg or more for more than three months can greatly increase your risk of developing bone loss and osteoporosis. If you have been prescribed medication like this, it would be a good idea to discuss the risks with your health provider. Perhaps they can help you come up with a plan to reduce the amount of time you are taking the medication.

While taking steroid medications, it will be very important that you keep up with regular exercise and get plenty of Vitamin D and calcium. Avoid smoking and arrange for a bone density test with your health provider..