The osteoporosis is a bone disease which can have serious consequences. Here's how to identify Osteoporosis symptoms. In a human adult, there are 206 bones, making up the entire skeleton. When these are affected, the body may lose its ability to move, especially in the case of osteoporosis. This gradually weakens the strength of the bones and therefore increases the risk of fracture. Focus on its most important symptoms. Osteoporosis is a disease that decreases bone mass or attacks the architecture of the skeleton. This results in a weakening of it and a risk of complications which should not be overlooked. Here's how to recognize it.
Osteoporosis symptoms
The first thing to know is that osteoporosis is very difficult to identify. It is nicknamed the "silent thief" because it can develop in a patient for years without being detected. There are, however, some signs that may indicate its presence. A scientific article highlights them:
Decrease in size
Our skeleton is responsible for our size. When osteoporosis attacks the bones, it is not uncommon after a while to end up with a curved spine. This therefore results in a gradual decrease in size, this is called dorsal kyphosis. If you notice this symptom at home or in a loved one, it is absolutely essential to consult a doctor in order to know the origin.
Back pain
The spine is what keeps us straight. When it is weakened by osteoporosis, you are left with a posture which is no longer natural and which sometimes causes severe back pain. However, back pain can be caused by many other factors. To determine its origin, medical advice is strongly recommended.
Fractures
The weakening of bones by osteoporosis tends to increase the risk of fractures. If you break a bone easily, this can be an important symptom. Be aware, however, that a fracture due to osteoporosis usually means an advanced stage of the disease.
If you have one or even more of these symptoms, it is imperative to contact a specialist. This will identify the origin of your pain.
People at risk
There are several factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis. Here are a few:
- The elderly are considered to be at risk
- Women are more exposed to osteoporosis than men
- Lack of physical activity
- Family history, osteoporosis can be transmitted genetically
- Cigarettes and alcohol increase the risk of osteoporosis
- Estrogens being essential to maintain bone structure in women, the latter is 2 to 3 times more likely to be affected by this disease after menopause. This phase is characterized by a deficit of these hormones which promotes bone breakdown.
Osteoporosis, what you need to know
According to the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), osteoporosis is the cause of nearly 400,000 fractures each year in France. Almost 40% of women over 65 are thought to be affected by this disease.
Osteoporosis is a disease that can take many forms. One of the most common is that due to age, and it is "2 to 3 times more common in women than in men" according to INSERM. The man is no less spared, he is the victim of 25% of fractures in this case. A second, rarer form is that due to family history and can affect adults 25 to 30 years of age.
When you are a person at risk, experts advise to follow several rules of healthy living that will help prevent the disease:
- Physical activity not only has a beneficial effect on your bone density but also allows your muscles to grow and therefore improve your balance.
- Supplementation with calcium and vitamin D can help maintain and strengthen the bones in case of deficiencies. It should however be noted that it does not in any way act as a treatment for osteoporosis.