Are You at Risk for Osteoporosis?
Bones are made of living tissue. Old bone tissue is constantly replaced by new bone tissue. At some point after age 30, more bone tissue is broken down than is replaced.
Osteoporosis occurs when much more bone is destroyed than is replaced, which makes bones very weak.
In the early stages of osteoporosis, you usually have no symptoms. The following are signs that you could be at risk:
Family history. If someone in your family has osteoporosis, you have a 60% to 80% chance of developing it. Hip fractures in particular are a clear indication of bone weakness. Your chances for a hip fracture double if your mother had a hip fracture.
You are shorter than you used to be. It is common between ages 60 to 80 to lose ½ to one full inch of height from lost disc elasticity. However, a spine fracture could result in additional loss of height. Multiple fractures also can cause the spine to form a curve sometimes referred to as a “dowager’s hump.”
Back pain. Persistent back pain could be a sign of a spinal fracture. Weak vertebrae can fracture and collapse without warning, even during everyday activities.
Chronic medical problems. If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, diabetes or liver disease, your chances of having osteoporosis increase.
You do not get enough calcium. Calcium is normally excreted from the body every day. When we don’t replace it, the body steals calcium from bones. This can contribute to the development of osteoporosis. Milk and dairy products as well as leafy green vegetables provide the calcium bones need.
Smoking. If you smoke, your risk of an osteoporotic fracture is double that of a nonsmoker. Cigarette smoking reduces calcium absorption and prevents new bone growth.
Alcohol consumption. Poor nutrition leading to bone loss is common with excessive alcohol use.
Low body weight. Being too thin can be a sign that you have low bone mass, putting you at risk for osteoporosis.
Frequent dieting. Extreme changes in diet and frequent fluctuations in weight can cause loss of muscle and bone density in addition to fat. Lost fat and muscle can come back, but bone could be gone forever.
The more you know, the better chance you have of avoiding back pain, which affects 80% of the adult population and is the second most common reason people visit their doctors. If you have back pain --- or want to know how to avoid it --- consult a spine care specialist.
Your family physician can refer you to a spine specialist, or you can search NASS' Spine Care Provider Search.