Osteoporosis Specialist

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a bone condition that develops when a patient either loses bone density or doesn’t grow enough bone. The bones become weak and brittle as a result and become more susceptible to fractures. In severe cases, patients may break bones from merely bumping into something or sneezing. The word osteoporosis translates to porous bone due to the honeycomb appearance of affected bones. Over 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and the condition is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged or elderly women. The risk factors associated with osteoporosis include age, low body weight, the reduction of hormones associated with menopause, smoking, and a lack of high intensity or weight bearing exercise. Heredity is also a risk factor for osteoporosis. Dr. Patterson encourages all of his patients to make healthy choices that can help to prevent osteoporosis, such as making sure to eat a healthy diet, taking in sufficient vitamin D and calcium, and participating in weight-bearing exercises such as walking,  jogging, tennis, or resistance training several times a week. If needed, low impact weight-bearing exercises such as gardening or dancing may be best.

How can I tell if I have osteoporosis?

In most cases, osteoporosis doesn’t present any symptoms until the damage is done and the patient experiences a bone fracture. Most of the symptoms of osteoporosis such as back pain, leg pain, and hunched posture are often not linked with the condition until it has progressed to the point when fractures become common. The best way to identify osteoporosis is to have bone density screenings.

What is a bone density screening?

A bone density screening is a test that measures your bone density and estimates the amount of bone in your hip and spine. If the machine, usually a DXA or dual energy x-ray absorptiometry machine, indicates that a patient’s bones are less dense than they should be, osteoporosis may be diagnosed. Dr. Patterson can begin treatment for osteoporosis to help prevent fractures from occurring.

How is osteoporosis treated?

While osteoporosis can’t be cured, it is possible to slow or stop the progression of the disease. Some patients may even be able to recover some of their lost bone density. There are some medications that are effective at slowing the development of the disease. Some, like raloxifene, act like estrogen in the body and help prevent further loss of bone density. Other medications, such as bisphosphonates, prevent bone deterioration, thus maintaining bone health. Another option is teriparatide, a synthetic form of the parathyroid hormone, which stimulates bone production.