Newsletters

Bone Health Clinicâ„¢ at Camelback Spine Care

Bone Health Clinicâ„¢ at Camelback Spine Care

          What is osteoporosis?

            Osteoporosis is a condition in which bone density reduces to the point where the risk of fractures greatly increases.

            Osteoporosis is a serious health issue affecting millions of people, resulting in around 2 million fractures per year. 1 in 2 women and a quarter of men over the age of 50 are likely             to experience fractures caused by osteoporosis. These fractures may occur after a fall, but if the bone is badly affected, even carrying out everyday tasks can result in fracture.                   Osteoporosis has no obvious outward signs or symptoms.

 

         What is osteopenia?

              If you have bone loss not significant enough to be osteoporosis, it is considered osteopenia. It can progress into osteoporosis; however, with changes to your diet and exercise                    along with early treatment, you can minimize the bone loss process.

 

         What causes osteoporosis?

             It’s not known for certain what causes osteoporosis, but there are many factors that increase your risk of developing weak and easily broken bones such as:

          How do I know if I have osteoporosis?

You may not know that you have osteoporosis until a strain, bump, or fall causes a bone to break. A bone mineral density test called a DEXA scan can detect bone loss. This test takes about 15 minutes and can be scheduled for you at your bone health appointment. Lab tests can also be obtained to check appropriate levels of calcium and Vitamin D in your blood which are important for bone health.You may not know that you have osteoporosis until a strain, bump, or fall causes a bone to break. A bone mineral density test called a DEXA scan can detect bone loss. This test takes about 15 minutes and can be scheduled for you at your bone health appointment. Lab tests can also be obtained to check appropriate levels of calcium and Vitamin D in your blood which are important for bone health.

 

Treatment options

Treatment options include supplements, bone building medications, and medications that prevent further breakdown of bone. Taking calcium helps preserve bone quality and Vitamin D helps your body to absorb the calcium. Medications that prevent further breakdown of bone include bisphosphonates, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and RANKL inhibitors and medications that help to build bone include sclerostin inhibitors and PTH analogs. These all aim to reduce your risk of fracture. Ask your provider for more information.

 

 

<< Previous Next >>

You might also enjoy

May 20, 2021

Myths and Facts About Osteoporosis

Perhaps you’ve noticed that you’re shorter than you once were, or you’re experiencing unexplained back pain. These are just a few of the signs o...
Read More
Feb 22, 2022

Understanding your spine

This month we focus on understanding the spine, and better informing patients about proper care in order to maintain a healthy spine. 
Read More
Feb 11, 2021

The Link Between Smoking and Osteoporosis

There are any number of reasons why smoking is bad for your health, and we’re going to add bone loss to this list. In the following, we explore the ...
Read More
Jan 20, 2021

PRP: Is it Safe

When it comes to healing, your body contains some very powerful resources. With platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, our goal is to redirect those reso
Read More
Mar 6, 2024

Camelback Spine Care Welcomes Ejovi Ughwanogho, M.D.

Dr. Ejovi Ughwanogho joins Camelback Spine Care in March 2024 as our newest board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Read More
Jul 14, 2021

Your Child Has Scoliosis: Now What?

Your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis, and you want to set them up, as best you can, for a bright future. Here’s a look at your treatment opt...
Read More