Osteoporosis
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| What
is Osteoporosis? |
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Osteoporosis
is a disease that is characterized by a decrease in bone mass. It is often called “brittle bone disease”
or the “silent disease”. Many people
are unaware that they have osteoporosis until a fracture occurs. The disease itself is not painful. Approximately 10 million people have osteoporosis. Another 34 million have osteopenia (low bone mass). Between 40% and 50% of women over age 50 will have
an osteoporosis related fracture in their lifetime. |
| What causes Osteoporosis? |
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Osteoporosis is caused by bone being broken
down faster than it is being built. Over the
course of our lives, bone is constantly being formed and destroyed. This is a normal process. It is when there is an excessive destruction of the
bone that osteoporosis occurs. There are
several risk factors that can contribute to a person’s chances of developing the
disease. Some of these factors can be changed,
others cannot. These risk factors include
being female, a thin body type, early menopause, advanced age, a diet low in calcium, an
inactive lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol use, and prolonged use of steroids. The good news is that there are ways to improve your bone health. |
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| What
can be done? |
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If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or
are at risk for developing it, there are several things that can be done. There are medications available to increase bone
mass. Your doctor can help decide if these are
right for you. A dietician may also be helpful in formulating a proper, nutritious meal
plan that will help increase calcium levels.
Weight bearing and resistance training exercises are shown to increase bone density by
1%-5% within one year of regularly exercising. Exercise
may also be beneficial in increasing strength and balance, which can decrease the risk of
falling. If you have already suffered from an osteoporosis related fracture and have pain,
there are treatments available to help manage your pain.
If pain is left untreated it can further limit your mobility and cause further
pain. Physical therapists, such as the ones at Responsive Physical Therapy, can help by
tailoring a safe and appropriate exercise program, which will take into account any other
medical problems that you may have.
Responsive Physical Therapy is conducting a
five week Fitness Class for Osteoporosis. Each
class will consist of education and exercise. Classes
will be small (3-4 participants) and meet once a week. For additional information, fee and
scheduling please call the office at (732) 282-9228.
REMEMBER: It is never too early or too late to do
something about osteoporosis.
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