Denton County Living Well Magazine Spring 2014 | Page 27

Osteoprosis
What It Is and How You Can
Avoid Its Devastating
Complications

O

Mika Bradford, CN, CPhT

steoporosis affects 10 million people in the
United States alone, and another 34 million Americans are at risk of osteopenia,
or low bone mass, which can lead to lead
to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a metabolic
bone disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass and
poor bone quality. While this condition was once associated
primarily with women, men are now screened more often
for osteoporosis if they have qualifying risk factors. A drop
in estrogen in women at the time of menopause and a drop
in testosterone in men is a leading cause of bone loss.

Other risk factors for osteoporosis include:

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Decreased calcium and vitamin D intake
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
The ongoing use of medications like anticonvulsants
and corticosteroids

Insufficient amount of weight-bearing exercises like
walking, running, dancing, yoga or playing tennis (at least
30 minutes on most days).
The frequency in fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist
are increased with this condition. The American Academy
of Orthopedic Surgeons along with the Mayo Clinic recognizes that each year, 1.5 million fractures are attributed to
osteoporosis, including 350,000 hip fractures. Maintaining
healthy bone mass throughout your lifetime is important in
preventing broken bones and secondary injuries associated
with osteoporosis later in life. Osteoporosis can result in lost
work time or the inability to perform daily living activities.
Seventy percent of people suffering from osteoporosis do
not return to previous pre-injury level of activity or health
status. The financial burden incurred and associated with
osteoporosis-related fractures can be costly for the person
who is injured as well as for the family members or caregivers. Broken bones lead to inactivity which creates secondary complications with weight gain, poor circulations and
other health concerns that accompany a sedentary lifestyle.
Testing for Osteoporosis is a simple process done by
bone mineral density assessment (most often with a DEXA
scan) that measures your bone mineral density. This test
will diagnose bone loss and osteoporosis as well as assist
in predicting your risk for future bone fractures. This test
will be performed annually or bi-annually depending on
your physician’s recommendations. The scan is also helpful in determining how effective dietary changes, exercise,
dietary supplements and medications have been in stopping

additional bone loss or increasing bone mass a