Osteoporosis

Approximately 40 million people suffer from Osteoporosis or are currently at high risk to develop the disease.  Low bone mass makes these individuals more susceptible to fractures and more serious bone loss in the future.  Osteoporosis knows no age barriers, and although it is often found among the elderly and women, over 2 million men are also victims of the disease.  It is important that you take steps now to keep your bones strong.  You can take preventive steps by scheduling a visit with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center for a bone density test and to discuss vitamins, activities, and other methods you can incorporate into your lifestyle to help prevent you from developing osteoporosis.  

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that attacks the strength of the bones.  As a result, bones become weak and fragile and break easily. The word, “osteoporosis” means “porous bone.”  A normal, healthy bone resembles a honeycomb on the inside, but someone who suffers from osteoporosis has larger spaces inside the bone “honeycombs.”  The cortex, or outer part of the bone thins with osteoporosis weakening the bone structure. The most common sites of injury are in the hip, wrist and spine, but any bone in the body can suffer a break if it undergoes stress in its weakened condition.

Osteoporosis is not a communicable disease–you can’t “catch” it from another person.  However, studies show that you are more prone to the disease if you have a family history of it.   The disease is more common in women due to the changes in hormone levels that affect the bone density. The levels of the female hormone oestrogen–a vital hormone for sustaining healthy bones–lessens after menopause and can result in a swift decline in bone density.

Osteoporosis Symptoms

Bone loss occurs without symptoms.  Early on, you may not know that you suffer from osteoporosis until you suffer an injury.  But, according to WebMD, as the disease has time to gain momentum you may begin to notice symptoms linked to your weakened bones such as:

  • Back pain
  • Posture changes and height decrease
  • Curvature of the spine
  • Broken bones that result from minor injuries (principally in the hip, spine, and wrist)
  • Compression fractures

Causes and Risks of Osteoporosis

Causes of osteoporosis vary from one individual to the next, but all result from a breakdown of the bones in the body.  Some of this bone loss is a common occurrence.  After the age of 30, bone mass ceases to accumulate. For optimal bone health, strive to keep as much bone as possible for as long as you can through proper diet, exercise, and early detection of bone deterioration through an evaluation with Dr. Atencio.

The National Institute on Aging, (NIH), explains that since bone is living tissue, throughout our lifespan, the bones will undergo a process of regeneration where the body breaks down the old bone and replaces it with new bone.  Naturally, as you mature, more bone is broken down than is replaced.

Diets deficient of calcium, Vitamin D, and lifestyles without regular exercise will cause you to be more susceptible to the disease.

Osteoporosis Treatment Options

Although there is currently no cure for osteoporosis, you can be proactive in the prevention of the disease or to stop its current progression.  Through early detection of the disease you may even be able to increase bone density and reverse the disorder to some degree. Ensure that your diet has the proper amounts of calcium and vitamin D to promote good bone health.  Talk with Dr. Atencio about medications that can help delay the bone loss, stop it or rebuild the bone.

Osteoporosis Prevention and Healthy Living

The National Osteoporosis Foundation, (NOF),  has some great tips on proactive steps you can take to protect and improve the vitality of your bones.  They urge that prevention begin in childhood by creating habits of healthy living.  Specific steps you can take now to protect your bones include:

  • Ingesting the proper amounts of calcium and Vitamin D
  • Striving for a well-balanced diet
  • Engaging in a regular exercise program that includes weight-bearing exercises
  • Incorporating foods in your diet that promote optimal bone health such as fruits and vegetables
  • Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption to no more than 2-3 drinks daily

Call for a Consultation

You can help curb the life-altering effects of osteoporosis through early detection. It is important to talk with your healthcare provider about your risk factors for osteoporosis and together you can develop a plan to protect your bones.  A periodic visit to our Austin office can help you avoid the risks of the disease. We can start a treatment plan as soon as the condition is discovered to prevent the development of life-altering symptoms.

The Initial Visit

When you arrive for your first visit, Dr. Atencio or a member of the Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center team will spend time with you collecting your patient history. This information will help your Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center Team know how significant your osteoporosis problem is and how best to help you. As you get started with a treatment plan for your osteoporosis, we will most likely give you some at home tips to be aware of. The Team at Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center has a lot of experience with osteoporosis, but we will also need your participation in your care for the best results.

Feel free to look at our testimonials page to see what others have said about Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center. We’re proud to be part of their health care team. We want to thank you for considering us to help with your current osteoporosis or your prevention of the disease.

FREE OSTEOPOROSIS CONSULTATION

If you are suffering from osteoporosis, Dr. Atencio and the team at Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center are ready to help. Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center provides specialized treatment plans for osteoporosis in Austin and can help you understand where your symptoms are coming from and what it will take to improve.

Call (512) 806-0015 today to schedule your free consultation!