Osteoporosis Specialist

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a bone disease caused by the loss of bone. Living tissue constitutes your bones, and that tissue consistently replaces old tissue with new cells. When your body stops producing bone, you develop osteoporosis.

Your bones become weak and are at an increased risk of breaks and fractures caused by falls or significant traumas. If you lose a considerable amount of bone, you may suffer injuries from smaller events, including minor bumps or even a sneeze.

With osteoporosis, your spine, hips, and wrists are most susceptible to breaks and fractures. The condition may also cause a reduction in your height. With osteoporosis of the spine, you may also develop a hunched posture.

Who is at risk for osteoporosis?

Women are at increased risk for developing osteoporosis, especially women of Caucasian or Asian descent. If you are a woman approaching menopause, you are also at a high risk for osteoporosis due to changes in your hormone levels.

If your diet lacks calcium or you’ve had gastrointestinal weight loss surgery, calcium deficiencies may put you at an increased risk for osteoporosis. Medical conditions like thyroid conditions and celiac disease may also increase your risk for severe bone loss.

Other risk factors include:

• Medications
• Kidney or liver disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Alcohol and tobacco use
• Inactive lifestyle

Your doctor performs a bone density test to determine if you have osteoporosis. They also analyze your medical history, dietary and lifestyle habits, and bone injuries before recommending a treatment.

What is the treatment for osteoporosis?

Your doctor may recommend dietary changes to include additional sources of vitamin D and calcium to strengthen your bones. They may also suggest a fitness plan to protect your bone health.

If you have advanced osteoporosis and suffer from broken or fractured vertebrae, your doctor may recommend a minimally invasive surgical procedure, such as:

Vertebroplasty

Your doctor may use vertebroplasty to stabilize your vertebrae and eliminate pain. They inject a low-viscosity cement that hardens and strengthens your vertebrae.

Kyphoplasty

During this procedure, your doctor inserts an inflatable bone tamp or balloon to restore the original height of collapsed vertebrae. Your doctor fills the cavities of the bone with cement to stabilize the bone and prevent it from re-collapsing.

If you’re looking for effective treatment for osteoporosis, book an appointment online today.