Learn What Osteoporosis Is and What Causes It!

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Learn What Osteoporosis Is and What Causes It!
Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease
characterized by a loss of bone mass over time,
which results in bones that are at an elevated
risk for fracture, or being broken. Over 10
million Americans have osteoporosis, and over 40
million additional Americans have low bone mass,
or osteopenia. It is estimated that 1 in 2
postmenopausal females will suffer from a
fracture associated with osteoporosis. Certain
individuals are at a greater risk of developing
this disease. Some risk factors include being
Caucasian, having a low body mass index, female
gender, having a family history of osteoporosis,
having a history of a fragility fracture,
vitamin D deficiency, premature menopause, and
long-term oral prednisone use. Osteoporosis is a
completely silent disease, and often the only
sign of a problem is that a patient will
experience fractures that would not have
otherwise happened if their bones were strong.
Osteoporosis is a public health concern, as the
cost associated with treating these fragility
fractures is measured in billions of dollars
annually. Unfortunately, many individuals do not
get appropriately diagnosed and treated for this
condition. For that reason, appropriate screening
and diagnostic testing is necessary in order to
receive a timely diagnosis, and to take proper
measures to
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• reduce the risk for future fracture with the help
  one of the best spine surgeons in Colorado
  Springs.
• There are conservative measures that each
  individual can take to help promote healthy
  bones. These include engaging in weight bearing
  aerobic exercise for at least 120 minutes per
  week, as well as strength training 2-3 times per
  week. Any exercise that promotes balance is
  encouraged, as that will reduce the risk for
  falls. Healthy dietary choices including calcium
  rich foods will help to feed your skeleton with
  the nutrients it needs to stay strong. Adequate
  vitamin D intake is essential to ensure your
  body can absorb the calcium that you do consume.
  Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, as well as
  smoking cessation, will also improve your
  overall bone health. However, in some patients
  these measures are not enough, and adding
  prescription medication would be recommended.
  There are many different types of treatments for
  osteoporosis including medications given orally,
  intravenously, or via subcutaneous injection.
  The choice of medication is largely determined
  based upon fracture risk, severity of disease, as
  well as patient preference. Ultimately, the goal
  in treating osteoporosis with the help of
  physical therapy in Colorado Springs is to
  reduce the risk of future fracture, thereby
  promoting an individual continued independence
  and quality of life.
• Causes of Osteoporosis
• There are several lifestyle factors that may
  contribute to the osteoporosis condition. They
  are,
• Poor nutrition
• low calcium diet
• Smoking,
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Lack of regular exercise
• Bone fracture on spine, wrists, or hips, you may
  develop stooped posture and a loss of height,
  and experience bone tenderness or pain,
  particularly in your neck or low back. If you
  feel any of these symptoms, consult with your
  orthopedic surgeon in Colorado Springs CO and
  take the necessary step as soon as possible.