Osteoporosis And The Spine
This is a condition characterized by decreased levels of calcium in the bones; especially of spine, hips, and forearm. This increases the likelihood of fracture at these sites. Commonly seen in females after their menopause, this is a silent epidemic. Diagnosis is by X rays and Dexa scan. Occasionally an MRI may be advised if a fracture is suspected. Osteoporosis is the commonest cause of fracture especially in elderly. These are preventable to a large เล่น UFABET ผ่านมือถือ สะดวกทุกที่ ทุกเวลา extent by timely detection and treatment. Elderly ladies are advised to undergo routine screening for Osteoporosis.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a systemic condition characterized by the weakening and deterioration of the skeleton, which includes the spine. Having osteoporosis makes the bones more fragile and susceptible to fractures, which can cause compression fractures of the vertebrae, leading to back pain.
Healthy bones are dense and strong. Osteoporosis causes bone density and quality to deteriorate over time. As a result, the bones become porous and brittle, resembling a honeycomb-like structure under a microscope. Compromising the structure of bones is a set up for fractures.
Osteoporosis is often refer to “silent disease” because it typically progresses without any noticeable symptoms until a fracture occurs.
It is not common knowledge that bones are turning over constantly; they’re changing and evolving with motion, lifestyle and age. Over time, bone mass is weaken faster than it is strengthened. Your skeleton may be getting weaker and weaker, but you wouldn’t feel it – it’s not painful.
What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. In many cases, individuals with osteoporosis may not be aware of the condition until they experience a fracture or related symptoms. Some individuals may notice a loss of height compared to when they were younger, but chalk it up to the aging process rather than to poor bone health.
When symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Persistent back pain: The pain may occur in the middle or lower back and may worsen with movement or activities like lifting, bending, or twisting.
- Change in Posture: Osteoporosis-related fractures can lead to a change in posture, particularly an exaggerated rounding of the upper back. This altered posture is known as “dowager’s hump” and is more common in advanced cases.
- Limited Mobility: Severe cases of spinal osteoporosis can restrict an individual’s mobility and flexibility, making it challenging to perform daily activities or maintain an active lifestyle. If fractures have occurred, these often have devastating consequences and limit daily activities such as walking, bathing, and dressing.
What are the causes of osteoporosis?
There are many risk factors for developing osteoporosis, all of which are more pronounced with age. There are 2 main types of cells that affect bone density, the osteoblasts that build bone and the osteoclasts that break down bone. Before the third decade of life, the osteoblasts are hard at work building bone and we reach our peak bone mass during this time.
As we grow older, the osteoclasts become the major player, breaking down bone, causing our bones to lose density and become more susceptible to fractures. This process affects both women and men but is more pronounced in postmenopausal women due to the added negative effect of hormonal changes.