Osteoporosis

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis causes bones to grow weak and thin. Instead of their normal solid appearance, bones look more like a honeycomb, with many tiny holes. 

At least 10 million adults 50 and older have osteoporosis. More than 40 million others have low bone density (osteopenia) and are at risk of osteoporosis.

Because bones are so weak with osteoporosis, even ordinary movements like bending, twisting, bumping into an object, or suffering a minor fall could cause a fracture. About one-third of women and a fifth of men over 50 experience osteoporotic fractures.

Why did I develop osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis develops when your body doesn’t produce enough new bone to compensate for bone loss over time. Things that increase your risk of osteoporosis are:

• Being female
• Being older
• Being of Caucasian or Asian descent
• Having immediate family members with the disease
• Having a small body frame
• Being of low body weight
• Suffering from hormone imbalances
• Having a calcium deficiency
• Long-term use of steroids
• Starting menopause before 45 

Chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, kidney failure, and liver disease increase your risk of osteoporosis.

How does osteoporosis cause pain?

Osteoporosis-related pain mainly happens due to fractures in the spine, hips, or wrists. The fractures might be minor, but they can be painful and difficult to heal because you need to use these bones often in your daily life.

How does pain management help with osteoarthritis?

CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center takes a multidisciplinary approach to effectively manage your osteoporosis pain. Treatment can include:

Pain relievers

The team could recommend pain relievers, for example, acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen, to help manage pain.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy improves your strength, flexibility, and posture. This boosts bone and joint support, reduces pain, and could prevent additional fractures.

Exercise

Regular exercise can prevent additional bone loss. This reduces your fracture risk, which in turn minimizes pain.

Complementary therapies

Complementary therapy methods like acupuncture, biofeedback, massage, and relaxation techniques can work alongside your other, more conventional treatments.

You might need osteoporosis medication to prevent bone loss or build new bone. Most people also need calcium and vitamin D supplements. The team works with you to develop a full-spectrum plan to manage your disease.

Have frustrating fracture pain? CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center can help you reclaim your quality of life. Call the nearest office or book an appointment online.