No matter how much attention people pay to their bodies, in some cases, they may encounter health problems that will negatively affect bone health at an early stage. One of these health problems is osteoporosis, more commonly known as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis (osteoporosis) is defined as a condition in which the bone becomes more fragile and sensitive due to the decrease in bone mass. Bone health, which is very important for advancing ages, is the most important organ that keeps the body standing and regular bone scans should be performed to maintain the health of the bones. At the same time, early diagnosis is very important for early treatment of osteoporosis (osteoporosis).
What is Osteoporosis (Bone Resorption)? What are the Symptoms and Treatment Methods?
Osteoporosis, more commonly known as osteoporosis, is a condition in which the bone becomes more fragile due to a decrease in bone mass. The decrease in bone mass reduces the quality and therefore the strength of the bone. In this case, the bone becomes much more fragile. Osteoporosis is a disease that negatively affects quality of life. Osteoporosis, which is common in the elderly segment of the society, is a health problem that should be taken into consideration.
What are the Symptoms of Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease that generally progresses silently without being noticed. For this reason, osteoporosis does not come to mind in fracture cases. Because patients usually have difficulty in grasping the seriousness of this condition unless the most obvious symptoms are seen. However, the basis of fracture cases in individuals over the age of 50 is mostly due to osteoporosis. With the onset of osteoporosis, bones become more susceptible to fracture. The symptoms of osteoporosis can be listed as follows:
- Short stature: One of the common symptoms of osteoporosis is short stature. This shortening is usually more than 3 centimeters.
- Hunchback: Hunchback seen in the advanced stages of osteoporosis has a significant negative impact on quality of life. This is because hunchback causes compression in the abdominal area. As a result of this compression, the abdomen comes forward, the intestines are squeezed and pressure occurs in the groin due to bloating. This change in the body causes pain.
- Increased Body Pain: One of the symptoms of osteoporosis is severe pain. These pains occur mostly in the back and lumbar region. When it comes to pain that restricts movement, it is useful to consult a health institution. Because in case of pain that restricts movement, there is a high probability of fractures in the bones.
What are the Main Causes of Osteoporosis?
One of the main causes of osteoporosis is getting older. Osteoporosis is mostly seen in men and women over the age of 50. However, women are much more at risk of osteoporosis than men. While it is seen especially with the onset of menopause in women, it is more common in men around the age of 70. In women over 50 years of age and in menopausal women, the risk of osteoporosis is 5 times higher than in men. After 70 years of age, it is risky for both women and men.
The reason why osteoporosis is more common in women than men is the decrease in estrogen levels due to menopause. Bone resorption caused by decreased estrogen is called postmenopausal osteoporosis. In addition to the age factor, other causes of osteoporosis are as follows:
- Chronic liver diseases, COPD, rheumatoid-like joint rheumatism, diabetes, kidney transplantation, kidney failure, insulin use and hemodialysis are among the causes of osteoporosis. Immunosuppressive drugs given to organ transplant patients can also cause osteoporosis.
- Hyperparathyroidism and hyperthyroidism caused by overactive parathyroid gland and thyroid gland, which provide the body's vitamin D and calcium balance, can cause osteoporosis.
- Cancer diseases such as multiple myeloma, leukemia and lymphoma can also cause osteoporosis.
- Some intestinal disorders and malabsorption due to obesity surgeries can cause osteoporosis.
- Regular use of gastroprotective drugs, blood thinners, cortisone, epilepsy drugs, cancer drugs, thyroid hormone drugs and depression drugs are among the drugs that increase the risk of osteoporosis.
- Smoking and excessive alcohol use, sedentary lifestyle and vitamin D deficiency are among the causes of osteoporosis.
- Malnutrition and underweight are also causes of osteoporosis.
- Genetic factors are also important in osteoporosis. The risk of osteoporosis also varies according to race. The risk of osteoporosis in black individuals is lower than in Asian and Caucasian individuals.
How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
To diagnose osteoporosis, a bone loss test and bone density measurement are required. The values obtained as a result of bone density measurement are compared with the values of adult and young individuals. The T Score value is reached with the deviations obtained as a result of this comparison. According to the T Score values, the World Health Organization has classified osteoporosis. According to this classification, individuals with a T Score below -2.5 are diagnosed with osteoporosis. Individuals with values between -1 and -2.5 are diagnosed with the onset of osteoporosis. Individuals with a T Score value above -1 are considered to have normal osteoporosis.
In addition to complete blood count and urine analysis, some laboratory tests may be requested to diagnose osteoporosis. Radiological examinations may also be performed if deemed necessary.
It is recommended that every woman entering menopause should have a bone density measurement. It is also useful for men and young people with risk factors to have this measurement. Individuals who are undergoing treatment and have low bone density should have their bone density measured once a year. Individuals whose values are within the normal range and who do not have risk factors can repeat this measurement once every 2 or 3 years.
How is Osteoporosis Treated?
Osteoporosis is a disease that can be treated. The aim of treatment is to improve bone quality and strengthen the bone. In this way, it is possible to prevent fractures.
Osteoporosis treatment is usually started with drugs that reduce bone destruction and increase bone formation. In order to be able to use these medications, the individual's urine and blood tests must be evaluated and found appropriate. In order to get positive results from treatment, it is important that the treatment continues for at least 1 year. It is important to carry out the necessary controls at the end of 1 year in order to decide whether the treatment should continue or not. Osteoporosis medication is determined in line with the examinations to be performed by a doctor specialized in the use of medication. Because not every osteoporosis medication is suitable for every patient.
In addition to medication, vitamin D and calcium supplements are also needed in the treatment of osteoporosis. Supportive treatment is extremely effective in achieving positive results. However, the vitamins used in these supportive therapies should be adjusted individually.
Including physical activities in the daily routine is an important step in the treatment of osteoporosis. At this point, it is beneficial that the activities to be preferred are aimed at muscle strengthening. Because muscle strengthening is effective in the renewal of bone mass. Brisk walking and light jogging are supportive activities recommended in the treatment of osteoporosis. Even if it cannot be done every day, it is recommended to do it 3 times a week for 20-30 minutes, especially outdoors. It is beneficial to prefer outdoor areas for walking instead of indoor environments. In this way, vitamin D can also be taken naturally. In addition to running and walking, dancing and yoga are also activities that support osteoporosis treatment. As with the use of medicines and vitamins, a doctor's recommendation is important for physical activities. Therefore, this important decision should be made with a doctor or activities should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.
What are the Types of Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease with more than one type. The types of osteoporosis are as follows:
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: It is bone resorption that develops as a result of the sudden decrease in estrogen levels after women enter the menopause period. This type of osteoporosis occurs especially in the first 5 years following menopause.
Idiopathic Osteoporosis: This type of osteoporosis has no known specific cause. It is mostly seen in young people. There are no risk factors or accompanying conditions that cause this type of osteoporosis.
Senile Osteoporosis: Senile osteoporosis is a type of osteoporosis that develops due to aging. It occurs in men and women over 70 years of age.
Juvenile Osteoporosis: Juvenile Osteoporosis is osteoporosis that is not due to any cause and is seen in children. This type of osteoporosis occurs between the ages of 1 and 13, before puberty. Symptoms of juvenile osteoporosis can manifest themselves as foot pain, lower back pain and hip pain. These symptoms can also be accompanied by fractures. There is no drug treatment for this type of osteoporosis. Therefore, exercises to increase muscle strength and vitamin D and calcium supplementation are useful. It is important to take care to protect children from bony deformities during this process.
Transient Osteoporosis: This type of osteoporosis is a rare transient osteoporosis. Osteoporosis in the hip bone begins with bone marrow edema. This osteoporosis, which occurs in pregnant women and men between the ages of 40 and 50, usually resolves on its own. This type of osteoporosis, which causes difficulty walking, can be caused by excessive smoking, alcohol, vascular disorders, infectious diseases, low testosterone levels, hypothyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Spotted Osteoporosis Spotted osteoporosis is bone resorption that occurs in localized and punctate areas on the bone. It usually develops as a result of clinical syndromes. In this type of osteoporosis, which is also caused by nerve damage and fractures, edema, limitation of movement and severe pain are among the symptoms.
Secondary Osteoporosis: Secondary osteoporosis is a type of osteoporosis that develops as a result of medications and certain diseases. COPD, end-stage renal failure, chronic liver disease, hemodialysis, kidney transplantation, diabetes and insulin use are among the causes of this type of osteoporosis.
What is good for osteoporosis?
Malnutrition is one of the leading factors that negatively affect health. For this reason, as in other diseases, it is necessary to pay attention to regular nutrition in the case of osteoporosis. Balance and order are very important in nutrition. Just as the deficiency of a vitamin that is important for the body can cause negative consequences, excess can also cause negative consequences. Therefore, it is useful to avoid excessive amounts of protein, sodium, phosphate and caffeine to prevent osteoporosis. To avoid vitamin D and calcium deficiency, it is important to pay attention to the amount and frequency of consumption. Each age group needs different amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Therefore, the diet should be prepared accordingly.
In order to gain vitamin D naturally, it is useful to sunbathe in such a way that the face, legs, hands and arms are exposed. In addition, vitamin D supplements can be taken according to the doctor's advice.