Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a decrease in the density of bone, decreasing its strength and resulting in fragile bones leading to abnormally porous bone that is compressible, like a sponge. This disorder of the skeleton weakens the bone and results in frequent fractures (breaks) in the bones.

The fracture can be either in the form of cracking (as in a hip fracture) or collapsing (as in a compression fracture of the vertebrae of the spine). The spine, hips, ribs and wrists are common areas of bone fractures from osteoporosis. Although osteoporosis-related fractures can occur in almost any skeletal bone.

Osteoporosis can be present without any symptoms for decades because osteoporosis doesn't cause symptoms until bone fractures or some osteoporotic fractures may escape detection for years, when they do not cause symptoms. In some cases; patients may not be aware of their osteoporosis until they suffer a painful fracture. The symptom associated with osteoporotic fractures usually is pain.

The following are factors that will increase the risk of developing osteoporosis:

• Female gender


• Caucasian or Asian race


• Thin and small body frame


• Family history of osteoporosis (for example, having a mother with an osteoporotic hip fracture doubles your risk of hip fracture)


• Personal history of fracture as an adult


• Cigarette smoking


• Excessive alcohol consumption


• Lack of exercise


• Diet low in calcium


• Poor nutrition and poor general health


• Malabsorption (nutrients are not properly absorbed from the gastrointestinal system) from conditions such as celiac sprue


• Low estrogen levels in women (such as occur in menopause or with early surgical removal of both ovaries)


• Low testosterone levels in men (hypogonadism)


• Chemotherapy that can cause early menopause due to its toxic effects on the ovaries


• Amenorrhea (loss of the menstrual period) in young women associated with low estrogen and osteoporosis


• Chronic inflammation, due to chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or liver diseases


• Immobility, such as after a stroke, or from any condition that interferes with walking


• Hyperthyroidism, a condition wherein too much thyroid hormone is produced by the thyroid gland or is ingested as thyroid hormone medication


• Hyperparathyroidism wherein there is excessive parathyroid hormone production by the parathyroid gland


• Certain medications can cause osteoporosis. These include long-term use of heparin (a blood thinner), antiseizure medications such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and phenobarbital, and long-term use of oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone).

X-ray: A routine X-ray can reveal osteoporosis but by the time X-rays can detect osteoporosis, at least 30% of the bone has already been lost. In addition, X-rays are not accurate indicators of bone density. Thus, the appearance of the bone on X-ray often is affected by variations in the degree of exposure of the X-ray film.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan (DXA, formerly known as DEXA): This scan measures bone density and compares them to a normal range. The patient is then given a 'T' score. This score describes the person's bone density compared to the average. The DEXA scan is fast, simple and accurate. It measures bone density in the most likely areas to be affected by osteoporosis - the spine, hip and wrist. It also follows changes in affected bones over time.

Osteoporosis can be prevented by making certain modifications in diet and lifestyle which are as follows

Calcium: An inadequate supply of calcium over a lifetime contributes to the development of osteoporosis. So maintaining proper level of calcium in body helps to prevent risk of osteoporosis. Increasing food rich in calcium like low-fat dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream; dark green, leafy vegetables and spinach; sardines and salmon with bones; almonds; and foods fortified with calcium, such as orange juice, cereals, and breads. Depending on how much calcium you get each day from food, you may also need to take a calcium supplement.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and bone health. It is synthesized in the skin through exposure to early morning sun. Food sources of vitamin D include egg yolks, saltwater fish and liver. Also enough vitamin D can be obtained naturally with exposure to 15 mins of sunlight everyday.

Exercise:Weight-bearing exercise is best for bones because it forces to work against gravity. Examples include walking, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs, weight training, tennis and dancing which helps to build up bone strength.

Quitting Smoking: Smoking is bad for bones as well as for heart and lungs. Women who smoke have lower levels of estrogen compared with nonsmokers, and they often go through menopause earlier which increases risk of osteoporosis. Also smoking may cause lower absorption of calcium from diet.

Alcohol: Regular consumption of 2 to 3 ounces a day of alcohol may cause damage to the skeleton, even in young women and men. Those who drink heavily are more prone to bone loss and fracture, because of both poor nutrition and increased risk of falling.

Medications that cause bone loss: The long-term use of glucocorticoids (medications prescribed for a wide range of diseases, including arthritis, asthma, Crohn’s disease, lupus, and other diseases of the lungs, kidneys, and liver) can lead to a loss of bone density and fracture. Bone loss also can result from long-term treatment with certain antiseizure drugs, such as phenytoin; gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) drugs used to treat endometriosis; excessive use of aluminum-containing antacids; certain cancer treatments; and excessive thyroid hormone. It is important to discuss the use of these drugs with your doctor and not to stop or change your medication dose on your own.

Treatment program for osteoporosis includes a focus on proper nutrition, exercise and safety issues to prevent falls that may result in fractures. In addition, doctor may prescribe a medication to slow or stop bone loss, increase bone density and reduce fracture risk.

Nutrition: The foods contain a variety of vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients that help to keep the body healthy. All of these nutrients are needed in balanced proportion. In particular, calcium and vitamin D are needed for strong bones and for heart, muscles, and nerves to function properly.

Exercise: Exercise is an important component for osteoporosis prevention and treatment program. Exercise not only improves bone health, but it increases muscle strength, coordination, balance and leads to better overall health. Although, exercise is good for someone with osteoporosis, it should not put any sudden or excessive strain on bones.

Therapeutic medications: Several medications are used by doctor’s for the prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis, including: bisphosphonates; estrogen agonists/antagonists; parathyroid hormone; estrogen therapy; hormone therapy; etc.