Osteoporosis: The Silent Disease Affecting 15% of the World’s Population

Osteoporosis: A Growing Concern

A new study (2023) warned that osteoporosis affects 15% of the world’s population over the age of 30; Noting at the same time that this disease may affect nearly a billion people by 2050.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a silent disease that leads to bone weakness and increased risk of fractures, especially in the spine, hips, and wrists. As age, this disease becomes more common; Especially among women after menopause, but it may also affect men.

The Bone Density Test

The bone density test determines whether or not you have osteoporosis, which is a bone disorder in which the bone is more fragile and more vulnerable to breakage. The test or Dexa examination, X-rays to measure the number of calcium grams and other bone minerals in a slice of bone. Often the bones are tested from the spine, hip, and sometimes forearm; The higher the mineral content in the bone, the greater the density of the bone. On the other hand, the more bone density, the more powerful it becomes in general and less likely to break.

Osteoporosis: Treatment Methods

In the event that osteoporosis is diagnosed, the treatment trip begins under the supervision of a specialist such as Dr. Abu Bakr. The treatment of osteoporosis depends on a group of medications, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle adjustments, in order to reduce bone loss and increase their density.

Medications Used to Treat Osteoporosis

• PAVOS OFONS: such as ACTONDs and Actonel, which helps reduce bone loss and strengthen the skeleton.

• SERMS: such as Evista, which works similar to estrogen in bone protection.

• Instructing hormones: Some types of hormonal treatments are used to treat osteoporosis in women after menopause, but they are described with caution due to potential risks.

Denosumab: It is a biological drug that inhibits bone loss and increases its density.

Tymlos: one of the treatments that stimulate bone construction rather than preventing their loss.

Basic Nutritional Supplements

Orthopedic doctors are committed to giving some necessary and important supplements to enhance bone health alongside medicines; The following includes:

Calcium: an essential ingredient for bone construction, and it is recommended to take 1000-1200 mg per day of this mineral through food or supplements.

Vitamin D: It helps in absorbing calcium, and it is recommended to take 600-800 international units per day.

Magnesium and Vitamin K: They play an important role in bone health and can be obtained from leafy vegetables and nuts.

Lifestyle Adjustments

There is no doubt that the quality and quality of life plays a fundamental role not only in treating osteoporosis, but also prevention. These amendments include:

• Exercise regularly: such as weight exercises (walking, running) and resistance exercises (lifting weights) that help strengthen bones.

• A healthy diet: rich in calcium and protein, while reducing soft drinks and excessive caffeine.

Quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol consumption: they negatively affect bone health.

• Sufficient exposure to sunlight: to enhance the production of natural vitamin D in the body.

Complications of Osteoporosis if Not Treated

What if I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, but I didn’t pay attention, and I was not subject to appropriate treatment?

Unfortunately, not to treat osteoporosis can lead to serious complications, Dr. Abu Bakr emphasizes; Including:

• Increased risk of fractures: even with minor injuries or when falling, and some fractures may lead to disability, God forbid.

Chronic pain in the bones and joints: especially in the spine.

• Back curvature and spine ingom: as a result of poor vertebrae and their collapse, causing short stature and continuous pain.

Effects on the quality of life: such as loss of independence and difficulty of movement, which may lead to social isolation and depression.

Encouraging the Rising Generation to Enhance Their Bone Health to Prevent this Disease

Most people have osteoporosis with age, but currently frightening is the exposure of younger generations, including the young woman, at the risk of developing this disease; As a result of the inert and unhealthy lifestyle that ravages the current and rising generation. So they should be taught and educated on how to enhance their bone health and prevent osteoporosis.

To Protect Bone Health from a Young Age, these Guidelines Can Be Followed:

1. Teaching children the importance of proper nutrition: by encouraging milk, cheese, almonds, and calcium-rich fish.

2. Encouraging physical activity: jumping, walking, and cycling, which helps in building strong bones.

3. Reducing the consumption of soft drinks: which may reduce the absorption of calcium from the bones.

4. Promoting a healthy life culture: through good example, such as parents of healthy foods and exercise regularly.

The Best Ways to Prevent Osteoporosis

According to an orthopedic and joint specialist from the modern international hospital, Dr. Bashar Abu Bakr, prevention begins from a young age and lasts for life; And includes the following:

• A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.

Exercise regularly, especially resistance exercises and air exercises.

Avoid smoking and alcohol and reducing caffeine.

• Under the periodic checks of bone density, especially after the age of fifty.

The Latest Developments in the Treatment of Osteoporosis

With the development of the medical and health field, the entry of modern technologies in this field, especially artificial intelligence; The field of treating osteoporosis has witnessed great developments recently; Including:

• New biological drugs: such as evenity, which enhances bone formation and prevents their loss at the same time.

Possible genetic treatments: The researchers study the possibility of using genetic treatments to slow down bone loss or enhance their growth.

• New techniques for osteoporosis diagnosis: such as advanced magnetic resonance imaging and 3D wiping that helps in assessing bone density with more accuracy.

• Research on the role of microbium: Studies indicate that bowel health may affect bone health, which opens the way for treatments aimed at improving the intestinal microbiome to enhance calcium absorption.

Conclusion

Osteoporosis is a disease that can be coexisted with and controlled if it is dealt with seriously through the correct treatment, healthy lifestyle, and early protection. So it is necessary to increase awareness about the importance of bone health, especially among young people, to ensure a healthier and more active life in the future.

FAQs

Q: What is osteoporosis?

A: Osteoporosis is a silent disease that leads to bone weakness and increased risk of fractures, especially in the spine, hips, and wrists.

Q: What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

A: The symptoms of osteoporosis include back pain, loss of height, and fractures, especially in the spine, hips, and wrists.

Q: How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

A: Osteoporosis is diagnosed through a bone density test, which measures the number of calcium grams and other bone minerals in a slice of bone.

Q: What are the treatment options for osteoporosis?

A: The treatment options for osteoporosis include medications, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle adjustments, such as exercise, a healthy diet, and quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol consumption.

Q: Is there a cure for osteoporosis?

A: There is no cure for osteoporosis, but it can be managed with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments.