How to Recognize the Signs of Poor Bone Health

Categories: HEALTH

Our bodies are held upright by the framework that our bones supply. Healthy bones are not solid, despite what many people believe. To keep them light and springy, their insides are composed of a honeycomb structure with microscopic holes.  However, bones that have significantly lost their mineral density have much larger holes and thin outer walls, which can raise the likelihood that they will break. Therefore, bone density is crucial.

Age and lifestyle choices can reduce bone density and raise the chance of developing illnesses like osteoporosis, which is characterised by dangerously low bone density, and osteopenia, which is less severe than osteoporosis. The issue of low bone density is common; it is estimated that 1.5 million people fracture each year as a result of bone disease.

Because of osteoporosis, bones become so fragile and weak that even minor stresses like coughing or bending over can break them. Hip, wrist, and spine fractures brought on by osteoporosis are the most frequent. Bone is a living tissue that undergoes continuous deterioration and replacement. Osteoporosis develops when the production of new bone is insufficient to counteract the loss of existing bone.

People of all races can develop osteoporosis. The risk is greatest for white and Asian women, particularly older women who have passed menopause. Medication, a balanced diet, and weight-bearing exercise can improve already brittle bones or prevent bone loss. Osteoporosis and fractures are just two disorders that can result from having Poor bone health.

Here are some warning signs of poor bone health:

Fractures: With poor bone health, fractures can happen more frequently and sometimes even without a serious injury.

Back pain: Back pain that isn't caused by an injury could be an indication of vertebral fractures, which are frequent in persons with osteoporosis.

Loss of height: The compression of the spine brought on by osteoporosis might result in a loss of height.

Alterations in posture: A hunched posture or a spine curvature might result from poor bone health.

Weak grip: Weak grip has been associated with decreased bone density and an increased risk of fractures.

Loss of teeth: Research has linked tooth loss to a reduction in jawbone density, which may be a sign of poor bone health.

Brittle nails: Weakened bone density may be indicated by brittle, thin, or slowly developing nails.

Causes of Poor bone health:

Osteoporosis develops when the structure of bone tissue is altered due to excessive bone mass loss. There are some risk factors that can either cause you to develop osteoporosis or raise your risk of doing so.

Many people who have osteoporosis have a number of risk factors, but not everyone who has the disease does. You may be able to change some risk factors, while you cannot change others. You might be able to avoid the sickness and fractures, though, by being aware of these factors.

Several elements may raise your risk of developing osteoporosis:

Sex: If you are a woman, your risk of having osteoporosis is higher. Compared to men, women's bones are smaller and have lower peak bone mass. Men are still at risk, though, particularly after the age of 70.

Age: Bone loss occurs more quickly and fresh bone formation is slower as you get older. Your risk of osteoporosis can rise as your bones deteriorate over time.

Body type: Thin, slender-boned people are more likely than larger-boned people to acquire osteoporosis because they have less bone to lose.

Race: Women who are white and Asian are more at danger. Women who are African American or Mexican American are at decreased risk. Compared to Mexican American and African American men, white men are more at risk.

Family history: According to research, if one of your parents has a history of osteoporosis or a hip fracture, your risk for osteoporosis and fractures may rise.

Changes to hormones: Your risk of developing osteoporosis may increase if you have low levels of specific hormones.

Diet: A diet poor in calcium and vitamin D can increase your risk for osteoporosis and fractures starting in childhood and continuing into old age. Your risk of bone loss and osteoporosis may increase if you overeat or consume insufficient amounts of protein.

Other medical illnesses: Some medical issues, such as other endocrine and hormonal diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, specific types of cancer, HIV/AIDS, and anorexia nervosa that you may be able to cure or control can raise the risk of osteoporosis.

Medication: Long-term usage of some drugs may increase your risk of developing osteoporosis and bone loss.

Lifestyle: Maintaining strong bones might benefit from living a healthy lifestyle.

Diagnosis:

The majority of people do not realise they have osteopenia until they get a bone density test due to the absence of symptoms. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is the term used to describe the most popular bone density test performed by physicians. A low-energy X-ray is used in DEXA to measure the amount of calcium in the bones. The hip or spine are the suggested locations for the test, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

T-scores are used by doctors to report test findings. The T-score comparison between the person's actual bone mass and what is typical for their age. A typical T-score, for instance, is greater than -1.0. If a person's T-score is between -0.1 and -2.5, a doctor would likely diagnose osteopenia. Depending on risk factors, specific suggestions for when to get tested for osteopenia may change. Typically, medical professionals advise that all women over 65 get their bone density checked.

Additionally, women under 65 who have reached menopause and have a second risk factor for osteopenia, such as regular tobacco use, should think about getting the test.

Poor Bone Health Treatment:

Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan if the results of your testing indicate that you have osteoporosis. In addition to prescribing drugs, your doctor may advise lifestyle modifications. Among these lifestyle adjustments are getting enough exercise and increasing your calcium and vitamin D consumption.

Osteoporosis cannot be cured, but effective treatment can help safeguard and strengthen your bones. Some of these therapies can encourage the growth of new bone while others can assist decrease the loss of bone in your body.

The danger signs of low bone density:

Bone loss and an elevated risk of fracture can result from the following:

• Smoking
• Exceeding the recommended alcohol limit
• Low level of exercise
• Diet lacking in vitamins and calcium, and poor
• Hormone changes brought on by smoking or menopause
• Age Medical problems such as celiac sprue, chronic kidney disease, an overactive parathyroid gland, or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Certain drugs, including hormone blockers and glucocorticoids
• Multiple myeloma, a malignancy that makes bones brittle and susceptible to fracture.

Poor bone health prevention:

You have no control over a number of osteoporosis risk factors. Women, older age, and a family history of osteoporosis are a few of these. However, there are some elements that are under your direct control.

Among the most effective methods of preventing osteoporosis are:

• Taking the recommended dose of calcium and vitamin D each day
• Exercising while bearing weight
• Giving up smoking
• Considering the benefits and drawbacks of hormone therapy for women
• Consult your doctor about the best ways to avoid osteoporosis if you're at risk for it.

Benefits of exercise for people with Poor bone health

Fractures are more likely to occur if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, have bad posture, poor balance, and weak muscles. Exercise offers substantial benefits for the health of an osteoporosis patient, including:

• decreased bone loss
• improvement in physical fitness
•  improvement in muscle strength
• improvement in reaction speed
• increased mobility
•  preservation of existing bone tissue
• better coordination and feeling of balance
• decreased risk of falls-related bone fractures
• Pain reduction Better energy and mood.

Exercises to Avoid:

Avoid physical activity that can irritate your front spine. Exercises involving forward bending and twisting are among them.

• Exercises involving bending and twisting while seated.

• Reaching for your toes or performing other exercises that require you to stoop forward.

• Curl-ups or sit-ups.

It is crucial to consult your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms or have any worries about your poor bone health. To help enhance your bone health, they can suggest the proper tests and treatments.