Osteoporosis (Bone Thinning)
Sometimes called bone thinning, osteoporosis is the process of bone becoming weaker due to loss of some tissue. Bones have tissues that can renew themselves. In some cases the intensity of these tissues drop and osteoporosis occurs. In advanced cases of osteoporosis bones are vulnerable to fractures and cracks.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
- Decrease in height
- Intense pain in back and waist area
- Fractures on the hip bone
- Deformities on the back and shoulder positions (slouching etc.)
- Bone sensitivity and pain
- Fractures and cracks (more common in elder patients)
- Excessive sweating at night, back pain when resting
Reasons of Osteoporosis
Some common reasons of osteoporosis are
- Lack of calcium intake during childhood
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Lack of physical activity
- Genetics
- Lack of vitamin D
- Decrease in estrogen levels after menopause
Changes in Lifestyle to prevent Osteoporosis
Even though women statistically have higher chances of having osteoporosis, there is also a significant amount of male patients. Since our lifespan got longer, problems such as osteoporosis started to be seen more. A good way to prevent this disease is to have a bone density test after age 40. With good care, bones can stay strong until ages around 80.
Ways to Prevent and Treat Osteoporosis
- Exercises & Active Lifestyle: Exercises that help controlling the weight and increasing bone intensity such as walking and running should be chosen.
- Eating Habits: Calcium promotes bone health directly and it should be included to meals. Same thing goes for Vitamin D as well.
- Prevention from Fractures: Osteoporosis can easily cause fractures in elders. Patient should be careful in daily life, not lift heavy and do activities that might cause falling.
- Sunlight: Sunlight increases levels of Vitamin D in the body and getting exposed to a medium level of sunlight can help. However excessive amounts of sunlight might cause other health problems.
