As people age, their bones naturally weaken, but for others, this process happens too quickly. Living tissue is continually being replenished and broken down.
Because of osteoporosis, bones become weak and brittle, easily breaking from simple stressors like bending over or coughing. The hip, wrist or spine are the most frequently broken bones associated with osteoporosis. When new bone is not growing to replace lost bone, the condition known as osteoporosis develops. All men and women have a risk of being affected by osteoporosis. The risk is greater for older women, particularly those who have passed menopause.
Your bones are constantly renewing themselves; new bone is created and existing bone is broken down. Your bone mass grows in youth because your body produces new bone more quickly than it breaks down existing bone. The majority of people reach their peak bone mass by the age of 30, as this process slows down after the early 20s. Bone mass is lost more quickly than it is gained as people age. Your childhood bone mass has a role in determining your risk of developing osteoporosis. Peak bone mass varies by ethnic group and is partially hereditary. You have more bone in the blank and are less vulnerable to age-related osteoporosis if your peak bone mass is higher.
Rarely do early, noticeable symptoms of bone loss occur. Until a hip, wrist or other bone is fractured, people frequently are unaware that they have weak bones.
Researchers found a connection between low bone mineral density and weak handgrip in a study of aged women and total bone mineral density. A weaker grasp can make you more susceptible to falls.
If you are losing bone in your jaw, your gums may recede. Request that your dentist perform a jaw bone loss screening.
Nail strength can be a marker of bone health, but you should also consider other factors that may have an impact on your nails such as exposure to extremely hot or cold temperatures, frequent use of nail paint remover or acrylic nails, or prolonged immersion in water.
Aside from changes in bone density, osteoporosis rarely causes many first symptoms. Our best option for diagnosing it in its early stages is to consult with your doctor or healthcare expert.
Once your bone mass has degenerated further, you may begin to encounter more visible symptoms, such as:
Fractures are one of the most common indications of brittle bones. Fractures can result from a fall or a small movement, such as stepping on a curb. Even a forceful sneeze or cough can cause an osteoporosis fracture.
Compression fractures in your spine can lead you to grow shorter. This is one of the most obvious osteoporosis signs.
Compression of the vertebrae may also result in a minor bending of the upper back. Kyphosis or stooped back can cause neck and back pain. It can even impair breathing due to the increased pressure on the airway and limited expansion of your lungs.
Osteoporosis can lead to spinal compression fractures. These fractures can be extremely painful because the collapsing vertebrae might pinch nerves that radiate from the spinal cord. Pain sensations might range from slight soreness to severe pain.
Osteoporosis can affect both men and women, but it is more common in women due to hormonal changes that occur with age.
If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor and start treatment as soon as possible.
