Osteoporosis

The skeletal structure of the body is very important in the preservation of organs and of the human body. Without these essential structures, humans will not be able to move or even think and enjoy life's many fun activities. Consequently, any defect or abnormality in the structure of a person's skeletal system can cause disability, pain, disfigurement, and sometimes death. One such medical condition is Osteoporosis or the illness that makes the bones too fragile and weak, making them abnormally prone to breakage and fractures. The solidity or density of the bones when inflicted with Osteoporosis also becomes lighter, making them easy to break like glass. This disease attacks any type of bone but it is more common along the spinal cord and hip bones. Women are much more prone to this disease compared to men because of the fact that when menopause occurs, the production of oestrogen -- an essential hormone that makes the bones absorb minerals like calcium properly -- is stopped.

Causes
Since Osteoporosis greatly affects women more than the opposite sex, gender is a possible cause for this disease. Other causes are prolonged use of steroids, female patients who have had their uterus or cervix removed (hysterectomy), genetic pre-disposition especially if both parents have this kind of bone disease, old age, inactive lifestyle, excessive smoking and drinking, and inadequate levels of testosterone for men.

Osteoporosis symptoms
Sadly, this disease silently attacks the skeletal system since bone weakness doesn't show any major symptoms until the patient experiences Osteoporosis-related fractures. However, patients should visit their doctors if they experience the following -- sudden back pains, a decrease in height, and kyphosis which is a spine curvature due to bone breakage.

Once a person suffers from Osteoporosis, that person's bones become so fragile that even a slight sneeze could lead to serious fractures.

Osteoporosis treatment
There are many diseases right now that do not have definitive cures and unfortunately, Osteoporosis is one of them. Although no cure that can return the lost density of the bones exists, there are many drugs and therapies available for those who are inflicted with Osteoporosis. Examples of these treatments are those with biphosphonates, which can help retain the calcium minerals into the skeletal bones, making the patient more resistant to bone density loss and bone breakage.

For men who have inadequate levels of testosterone, they can be injected with these hormones to help them gain bone strength and reduce the chances of getting fractures.

A therapy that replaces female hormones is given to female patients with Osteoporosis. In the long run, Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT can prevent a decrease in bone density.

Patients with Osteoporosis-related fractures can be given pain relievers to alleviate the pain associated with the injuries.

Prevention of Osteoporosis
This disease, although not completely curable, can be easily prevented. A way to stop the onset of Osteoporosis is to eat foods and drink beverages that are rich in calcium minerals and vitamin D -- a substance that makes the bones absorb necessary amounts of calcium. If these minerals and vitamins are not available through natural sources, supplements are advised.

Since this disease doesn't show any major symptoms, undergoing exams that measure the bone density is recommended for those who are at least 50 to 60 years old and above since older bones are generally weaker.

Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle can also help lower the risks of getting Osteoporosis. Doing exercises can make the bones more resistant to breakage and further damage. To prevent additional bone breakage, avoid lifting heavy objects as this can cause injury to a weak skeletal system. Additionally, smoking and drinking habits should be curbed since these elements are always risk factors for many kinds of illnesses.