Diseases of the Bones: Osteoporosis and Osteopenia

The term osteo defines anything related to the bones, and the term penia tells us there is a deficiency in the density and formation of bone. Osteopenia, therefore, is a medical term which defines the condition of weakened and thinned out bones. Osteopenia is mostly an age related disease where the bone mass is drastically reduced, which leads to osteoporosis. This new term is indicative of a more serious bone thinning. The osis in osteoporosis refers to a porous condition of the bones. Osteoporosis is a degenerative condition of bones, which become porous and weak.

Difference between osteoporosis and osteopenia

The difference between these two situations of the bones is assessed by measurements on bone mineral density. Called the BMD test, this gives a value of calcium, magnesium and other vitamin and mineral levels present in the bone. There will not be any physical evidences and symptoms exhibited by the patients during the early stages of onset of either osteopenia or osteoporosis. Osteopenia is just a beginning of the thinning of your bones; it develops into osteoporosis, if left untreated. It is also important to make lifestyle changes and eat a diet with good nutrition.

Who gets osteoporosis?

Osteopenia could appear at any age, and both men and women are prone to the disease conditions. But, owing to the hormonal adjustments every month during menstruation, the female population is at a higher risk of developing osteopenia and osteoporosis. Habits such as smoking and chewing tobacco, alcohol consumption, mal-nutrition, taking steroids and other immunosuppressant medications can result in calcium loss in the bones. The initial stages of osteopenia usually exhibit no symptoms. Even after developing into osteoporosis, no physical symptoms may be detected; however, many people with osteoporosis have a thin body frame, have generalized pain in the joints, neck and back. Osteoporosis will generally cause a change in posture which gives the appearance of being in a stooped position.

How is osteopenia or osteoporosis diagnosed?

Due to the weakened and thinned out bones, fractures may occur; most fractures will involve the wrist, hip joints and spine. To establish a diagnosis of osteopenia, an X-ray image can reveal thinning of the bones. A low density x-ray is used for assessing the calcium density, in addition to the Bone Mineral Density test. DEXA scan, as it is called, is a Dual Energy X-ray Absorptionmetry scan, which is non-invasive and is a painless procedure. It is a comparative study that helps the radiologist to establish the pattern of bone density.

Treatment for osteopenia

Taking calcium supplements along with calcium and mineral rich food helps the person suffering from osteopenia to slow down or stop the degeneration of bone tissue. Stopping osteopenia in its tracks can prevent the onset of osteoporosis. Natural extracts from sea-shells is being sold over the counter in most pharmacies and health stores; these products are used with much success to restore the body's requirements of calcium and other minerals. Postmenopausal women might require hormone replacement therapy, in addition to calcium supplements. Once osteopenia is established, care should be taken while walking and even while climbing steps. Assisting devices like a walking-stick should be put to use, to prevent falls and thereby preventing fractures. People with osteoporosis often suffer from stress fractures; therefore it is important to be as careful as possible. Use a walker or cane if needed.

Conclusion

As with any other disease, prevention is better than having to be treated for it later in life. Diet and other lifestyle changes can prevent much suffering when you get older. Many diseases hit the body after the age of 40. If we start early to live a healthy lifestyle, we may be able to prevent osteopenia and subsequently, osteoporosis. Consuming regular supplements of calcium, eating calcium and mineral rich food, like milk products, fruits and green, leafy vegetables regularly helps to keep the body's requirements in balance.

Sources:

Web Md

Spine Universe