Osteoporosis Symptoms and Signs

Tai Chi, the ancient martial art from China, may be widely known as a self-defense art, but has abundant health benefits that can help cure ordinary ailments to life threatening diseases, says Tai Chi guru Carlton Hill.  What is Tai Chi? How is it different from other martial arts? Tai Chi Chuan or Taijiquan is a five thousand year old martial art practised in China. Though, in present times, it is mostly practised for its health benefits. Tai Chi Chuan is unique because one can…

What causes osteoporosis Limited formation of bone early in life, or loss of bone structure later in life leads to osteoporosis. The factors that help in bone growth during youth affect bone mass during the adult years, particularly the following: • Poor calcium intake  • Poor absorption of calcium from the gut • Reproductive calcium intake, i.e., the amount of calcium utilized by the body in women • Vitamin D deficiency • Lack of physical activity • Increased Parathyroid gland function,…

There are typically no symptoms in the early stages of bone loss. But once bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, you may have signs and symptoms that include: Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra (back bone) Loss of height over time Stooped posture Bone fracture that occurs much more easily than expected

Different types of osteoporosis • Primary: This is a common type of osteoporosis associated with increase in age, improper diet and lack of physical activities. • Secondary: This is bone loss that occurs due to the use of certain medications. • Juvenile osteoporosis: This is rare. It occurs during the ages when bone growth is rapid, ie in the ages 8-14years.  Different stages of the condition Between the ages of 18 to 30, the bone attains its peak bone mass, ie, bone will reach their…

What tests do I need to have done The doctor may recommend some of the following : DEXA Scan (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry): This is a type of bone densitometry test commonly used for osteoporosis, which measures bone mineral density. It usually focuses on the spine and the hip or on total bone density to gauge fracture risk. Know more on Dexa Scan or Bone Scan Blood test markers: Blood or urine tests check the chemical processes occurring within the bone. These tests reveal several markers…

You can take steps to prevent osteoporosis by making a few changes to your diet, getting enough exercise, and considering whether the available medication is right for you. Speak to your doctor about the following: • Calcium • Vitamin D  • Exercise. Read more about The Right Exercise for Osteoporosis   • Hormone replacement therapy  • Medication (Fosamas, Evista etc) Screening  The National Osteoporosis Foundation (www.nos.org.uk) recommends bone mineral density testing…

Medications may include: • Adequate amounts of calcium (1500-1800 mg daily) and vitamin D (400-800 IU). Calcium can be increased through diet and/or calcium supplementation.  • Drug treatment can improve bone strength and reduce the incidence of fractures. Choices include: 1. For women, traditional estrogens may be an appropriate choice depending on a variety of individual factors. 2. For both women and men, calcitonin is a drug occasionally used in the treatment of osteoporosis and is…

For healthy bones, you need to do the following: • Weight-bearing exercises: Exercises like walking (legs bear the body’s weight), stair-climbing, low-impact aerobics, gardening etc are good for those with osteoporosis. Walking as little as three to five miles a week can help build your bone health. You can also do some functional movement such as raising the whole body slowly upon your toes.  • Resistance exercises: This means working against the weight of another object. Resistance helps…

is a common condition, usually seen in the elderly, of diminished bone mass and low bone weight, which leads to fragile bones. Bones are living tissue constantly being broken down and rebuilt by the body. During childhood and youth, you form new bone faster than you lose old bone. Between the ages of 18 and 30, you reach peak bone mass. As people age, bone loss increases. Osteoporosis occurs when the body doesn’t create enough new bone to keep up with the absorption or…