Question 1

is osteoporosis curable?

Accepted Answer

Osteoporosis: Currently it is better to think of osteoporosis as a condition that can be managed or treated rather than cured.  This is usually performed by dietary modifications, ingestion of supplemental calcium, vitamin d and a class of agents notice the bisphosphonates. These are usually delivered via oral or intramuscular injection on a weekly or monthly or even yearly basis.

Question 2

can osteoporosis be treated?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely: Osteoporosis absolutely can and should be treated.  A bone density test is often done to determine the severity of it.  An underlying cause can be checked for.  Ther are a number of medications that can over time strengthen bone.  Also, things like adequate calcium and vitamin d combined with weight bearing exercise is encouraged.

Question 3

how is osteoporosis diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Bone density testing: The best test is a bone density test (known as a DXA scan).  This painless test measures the density of your bones.  Your doctor uses this test to predict the risk of bone fracture in the future.  Sometimes a spine or hip xray can show fractures of your spine/vertebra which can indicate undiagnosed osteoporosis but usually the first test is the DXA scan.

Question 4

is having osteoporosis serious?

Accepted Answer

Osteoporosis.: Osteoporosis is loss of calcium from bone mass this can weaken bones and cause increased fracture risk.

Question 5

what is osteoporosis?  who gets it?

Accepted Answer

Weak and brittle : Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle — so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses like bending over or coughing can cause a fracture. Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the hip, wrist or spine. 
Women are more than ma, age the older you live the chance you have, sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, family history.

Question 6

what are some signs of osteoporosis?

Accepted Answer

Bone fragility: Easy fractures of bone under minimal or normal conditions.  Repeated fractures, stress fractures, spinal compression fractures, etc.  Loss of height due to spinal compression fractures.  Back pain, developing back hump.

Question 7

what are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

Accepted Answer

None: Most patients have no symptoms associated with bone loss until a fracture occurs. It is important to obtain a DEXA or bone density scan to measure bone density and see if osteoporosis or bone loss is occurring.

Question 8

what organs are affected by osteoporosis?

Accepted Answer

Bone: Osteoporosis affects the strength of the bone, and can predispose patients to develop fractures.  In severe cases, spinal deformities can develop which can ultimately also affect the heart, lungs, and GI tract.

Question 9

what increases my chances of osteoporosis?

Accepted Answer

See below: Risks for osteoporosis include increasing age increases risk for osteoporosis, postmenopausal state, being thin, white or Asian also increase the risk. The use of steroids such as Prednisone and other meds increase the risk. Diseases such as chronic kidney or liver disease inceases risk as do inflammatory bowel diseases. Lack of weight bearing exercise is also a risk. No calcium or vit d are risks.

Question 10

what is the layman's term for osteoporosis?

Accepted Answer

Brittle Bones: Osteoporosis results in "weakening" of the bones often leading to fractures. For this reason it is often described as "brittle bone " disease.

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