Osteoporosis - Are You At Risk for a Fracture?

I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis quite a few years ago after a bone density test. I should have known to stay with the program I was on back then, maybe my 'osteo' wouldn't haven't gotten worse. 

Now, after a recent bone density test, I'm on prescription Vitamin D and taking Calcium supplements. I am also doing physical therapy for back and hip pain. I am believing it is not too late to overcome my pain and my posture, which is getting more and more round-shouldered.

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle — so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses such as bending over or coughing can cause a fracture. Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the hip, wrist, or spine.

There typically are no symptoms in the early stages of bone loss. But once your bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, you may have signs and symptoms that include:

• Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra
• Loss of height over time
• A stooped posture
• A bone fracture that occurs much more easily than expected 

I have most of the factors for osteoporosis, female, family history, small frame, over 60, and long-term smoker. Some of those risk factors are:

• Gender. Women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis than are men.
• Age. The older you get, the greater your risk of osteoporosis.
• Race. You're at greatest risk of osteoporosis if you're white or of Asian descent.
• Family history. Having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis puts you at greater risk, especially if your mother or father experienced a hip fracture.
• Body frame size. Men and women who have small body frames tend to have a higher risk because they may have less bone mass to draw from as they age. 

 These are books I've researched for quality information about osteoporosis. 

       

Some of the information on this Blog is from:

Mayo Clinic Web Site

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