S. M. A. R. T. Patient Education Pages
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease that is both preventable and treatable. We all lose bone mass as we age but those with osteoporosis experience bone loss at a rate much greater than normal.
WHAT IS IT?
The name osteoporosis means porous bone. Low bone mass leads to structural weakness and fragile bones break easily, sometimes by something as minor as a sneeze. Early stages of osteoporosis often proceed painlessly until a fracture occurs. Later stages are often very painful, including severe back pain and deformity.
WHO GETS IT?
Of adults over 50, one in four women and one in eight men have been diagnosed with the disease. Although most of those affected by osteoporosis are older adults, the disease can start at any age.
Risk factors for osteoporosis include both lifestyle choices and conditions we inherit.
Lifestyle choices that increase the risk of osteoporosis include smoking, excessive alcohol use and a diet low in calcium.
Conditions we inherit that increase risk are small bones and a family history of osteoporosis; diseases and conditions like hyperparathyroidism and malabsorption syndrome; conditions like low estrogen after menopause; and eating disorders like anorexia.
Speak with your physician to assess your own risk for osteoporosis.
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
Advice for preventing osteoporosis focuses on childhood because 85% of our adult bone mass is formed by age 18. Experts recommend a balanced childhood diet that includes sufficient calcium and lots of active play and exercise, which promotes healthy bone growth and maintenance. This is good advice for all ages.
TALK TO A PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Physiotherapists are an important part of your healthcare team, both in reducing your risk for osteoporosis and in managing the physical symptoms and pain of the disease.
Research has shown that the mechanical stress of weight-bearing aerobic exercise and strength training both help to stimulate bone growth and improve bone density.
We can design an appropriate personal exercise program to help you
achieve the best possible physical condition including:
• attaining your best possible bone health
• managing the pain of fractures and
• improving your balance and strength to reduce the risk of falls.
MORE INFORMATION
The Osteoporosis Society of Canada website www.osteoporosis.ca contains information about the disease itself and diet and exercise recommendations.
