Osteoporosis

Bone density is measured by the protein minerals in the bones. Most of those who get a bone density test will do so because they are concerned about bone disease such as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone disease the primarily affects older women of past the age of 60. It can cause brittle bones and bone breakage as well as pain. In some cases, those who suffer from a lack of bone density will also notice a decrease in height as they experience compression fractures in the spine.

Most women are advised to get a bone density test beginning at the age of 65. However, there are other conditions that can cause bone disease and can affect bone density earlier in life. While osteoporosis is the most common of these conditions, other conditions that can cause brittle bones include osteonecrosis which affects the tissue surrounding the bones, usually in the spine or in the hips as well as osteoarthritis, which affects the joints and the bone tissues surrounding them. Because bone density tends to decrease with age, it is important for older individuals as well as those with underlying health conditions, particularly auto immune disorders, to get a bone density test.

There are several ways that a doctor can perform a bone density test. In most cases, blood tests are used to measure bone density. This can be effective as a way to not only diagnose osteoporosis but lead to the diagnosis of other conditions as well. The DEXA scan is the most accurate of all of the bone density test methods that are available today as it can measure the smallest fractions of bone loss in an individual. While osteoporosis primarily affects women, men can also be affected by this bone disease.

The bone density test that a doctor recommends depends upon the symptoms of the disease as reported in a clinical exam. In some cases, a bone density test may be given in the case of a fracture or a break. This can determine the amount of bone loss in an individual so that proper treatment can be recommended. Not all bone disease is related to osteoporosis, so it is important that anyone who suffers from the following symptoms be given a bone density test:

Back pain
Compression fractures
Joint pain
Frequent bone breakage
Decrease in height
Inability to stand up straight

Doctors can use both blood tests as well as imaging tests such as the DEXA scan to determine the cause of the symptoms. They can then advise the proper treatment. In most cases when it comes to bone disease, calcium supplements as well as a diet that is rich in calcium is recommended. In addition, it is important for anyone who is suffering from a bone disease or who wishes to prevent bone disease take a supplement of Vitamin D so that they can help absorb calcium into their body.

Eating the right foods, exercising and also avoiding foods that are high in phosphates are also a crucial aspect of maintaining good bone health. It is never too late to take care of your bones, and there are various treatments, including medications, for those who are suffering from bone disease such as osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis Symtoms

Brittle bones are considered to be a sign of old age by many people. They are generally caused by a loss of bone mineral density that is most defined in postmenopausal women. However, in addition to old age, there are many other conditions that can cause brittle bones that can easily fracture or break, causing pain and even disability in some people.

For many years, it was taken for granted that older women who were past menopause age would get brittle bones. A person builds up bone mineral density up until the age of 30, at which time their bones are as strong as they are going to be during their lifetime. In order to maintain good bone health, therefore, it is important to get started early in life. While heredity does play a factor in some diseases such as osteoporosis, which causes a loss in bone mineral density, there are other factors that can come into play as well when it comes to the loss of bone mineral density.

These include the following:

Poor diet
Lack of exercise
Diabetes
Auto immune diseases
Radiation and chemotherapy treatments
Obesity

Many of the factors that can contribute to the loss of bone mineral density can be controlled, while others cannot. Heredity plays an important part in osteoporosis and brittle bones but only to a certain degree. By taking care of bone health early in age, a person can build up strong bones so that they have a higher degree of bone mineral density by the time they reach the age of 30, at which time the bones are at their strongest point.

Eating foods that are rich in calcium as well as taking calcium supplements is one way to contribute to good bone health at any age. Even those who have already been diagnosed with bone disease are advised to modify their diet to include more calcium enriched foods. These foods include low fat milk and yogurt, fish and leafy green vegetables. In addition, a supplement of vitamin D is also recommended for those who want to avoid having brittle bones as they age. Vitamin D will help the body absorb calcium into the bloodstream.

Avoiding foods that are high in phosphates such as soft drinks, alcohol, caffeine as well as red meat is another way to lower the incidence of brittle bones. These foods can rob the body of the calcium that is so needed for healthy bones and bone tissue.

In addition, it is important for anyone who is concerned about bone disease, whether they wish to prevent the disease or treat it, to exercise. Bone strengthening exercises that include aerobics, swimming, walking, jogging and even dance are recommended to build stronger bones. Those who have already been diagnosed with bone disease are still advised by doctors to exercise as much as possible in relation to their condition, even if it includes just walking, so that they can maintain a higher degree of bone mineral density.

Bone mineral density is determined by blood tests as well as imaging scans. Those who are concerned about brittle bones and bone disease, regardless of whether they wish to prevent it or treat it, should speak to their physician about the benefits of a healthy diet, calcium supplements and a more active lifestyle.