What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes weak, thinning bones. This leaves the bones at greater risk of breaking. The bones most often affected are the hips, spine and wrists. Osteoporosis affects over 10 million Americans over the age of 50. Women are four times more likely to get osteoporosis than men, because low estrogen is one of the main causes of bone loss during and after menopause.
Comprehensive osteoporosis treatment
The goals of managing osteoporosis are to decrease pain, prevent fractures and minimize further bone loss. There are several ways to prevent and treat osteoporosis, such as maintaining a healthy body weight, stopping smoking, exercising more, and retaining calcium and Vitamin D. Living with osteoporosis includes rehabilitation to return to bone health and daily living.
Treatment plans for patients will be determined by their care team based on age, medical history, stage of osteoporosis and personal preferences.
Osteoporosis treatment options may include:
- Surgery, such as kyphoplasty
- Medications
- Bisphosphonates