It is crucial to maintain healthy bones from childhood. However, we as individuals tend to put our health at risk due to several factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, improper intake of essential nutrients and many more.
This then causes our bones to become weak and brittle, causing a condition called osteoporosis.
According to Mayo Clinic, osteoporosis is a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, typically as a result of hormonal changes, or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D.
The brittleness from a fall or even mild stresses such as bending over or coughing can cause a fracture. Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the hip, wrist or spine.
Bone is a living tissue that is constantly being broken down and replaced. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone doesn’t keep up with the loss of old bone.
According to Mayo Clinic, osteoporosis affects men and women of all races, however, this condition mostly affects white and Asian women, especially older women who are past menopause, who are at a higher risk. Medications, a healthy diet and weight-bearing exercise can help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones.
Symptoms
There typically are no symptoms in the early stages of bone loss. But once your bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, you might have signs and symptoms that include:
- Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra.
- Loss of height over time.
- A stooped posture.
- A bone that breaks much more easily than expected.
