Osteoporosis

What is osteoporosis? 

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when bone mineral density decreases, leading to decrease in bone structure and strength, which increases the risk of bone fractures.   People may be unaware of the condition until they experience signs and symptoms which can include; back pain due to a fractured or collapsed vertebra; loss of height over time; a stooped posture; fractures in the hips, wrists, or spine; and a bone that breaks more easily than normal. 

Testing for osteoporosis

Several methods are available to measure bone density, but the most widely used technique is Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). 

DEXA bone density studies of the spine and hip are considered the ‘gold standard’ for diagnosing osteoporosis and tracking changes in bone density over time. Bone density measurements can also check the conditions of the total body, the wrist and the foot.

The test is simple, painless and takes about 15 minutes. After changing into a gown and lying on the X-ray bed, the DEXA runs a beam over the hip and leg area. Pregnant women are advised not to take the DEXA test.

Risk factors for osteoporosis 

The following are risk factors for low bone density:

• Female 
• Men with low testosterone levels
• Previous fracture
• Thin or small body frame
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Post menopausal women
• Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)
• Anorexia nervosa or bulimia sufferers
• People with a diet which is low in calcium or vitamin D
• Inactive lifestyle
• Smoking 
• Excessive use of alcohol
• Advancing age
• Use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants

Preventing osteoporosis

Follow a balanced diet 
To ensure there is an adequate amount of calcium in the diet, it is good to include low fat dairy products, calcium fortified soy products and other plant-based milk, canned sardines with bones, tiny dried fish with edible bones, dark green leafy vegetables (spinach and kale), dried beans and nuts (sesame and almonds).

Get adequate Vitamin D
Vitamin D enhances the absorption of calcium. Dietary sources can be found in egg yolk, oily fish such as sardines, salmon, mackerel, sun-dried mushroom, fortified dairy products, etc. Our body can synthesize vitamin D after sun exposure to bare skin also.  A blood test can reveal if level of vitamin D in your body is adequate.

Regular exercise
Staying physically active through exercise is important to maintain bone density, muscle strength and general health. Especially weight bearing exercises.  Enjoy the pleasures of walking, jogging, playing tennis and dancing.

Avoid smoking 
Smokers absorb less calcium and female smokers may experience menopause earlier, which increases the risk of losing bone density. 

Avoid high intakes of alcohol, sodium and protein 
Excessive intake of alcohol and a diet high in sodium and protein may cause calcium depletion through urine. 

Medications 
Medications can be used to slow down bone loss and increase bone density by helping the body maintain healthier calcium levels. The doctor will be able to make the most appropriate recommendation.

Recommended Calcium intake

Calcium needs change during over time. Below is the recommended daily calcium intake for different age groups:

Source: National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements

As a general rule, an adult should have two servings of dairy products and three servings (one and a half bowls) of cooked green leafy vegetables, such as Choy Sum or Kale per day, in order to maintain a healthy calcium level.

Regular screening

Regular screening with DEXA is recommended for people at risk of osteoporosis, such as postmenopausal women and anyone over the age of 65. As there may be few signs of osteoporosis until fractures occur, it is important to screen as part of a routine health check.  With the advanced imaging technology, it is possible to determine whether a person has or is at risk for developing osteoporosis and track changes overtime.

Call our Imaging centre at 2849 1540 to arrange a DEXA scan.