Osteoporosis Treatment
Fragile bones caused by loss of bone density is the main characteristic of osteoporosis. Therefore by far the biggest symptom of osteoporosis is a broken bone of some kind, many of which can be very serious when the spine or hips are involved. Quality of life is effected in patients with osteoporosis, pneumonia and blood clots in the legs are common afflictions women face when going through an illness such as osteoporosis.
Routine x-rays can determine if an individual has osteoporosis of the bone since their bones will appear a lot thinner than a person with heatlhy bones. A bone density test using a small amount of radiation known as a DXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan) can be used to diagnose osteoporosis. The bone density recorded after this test is then compared to a normal bone density from a person of the same age and race and a T score is given to the patient. If the individual has a T score of less than two point five then they are considered to have osteoporosis.
A few things a person can do immediately to help themselves deal better with osteoporosis are:
- Quiting smoking
- Quiting alcohol
- Starting some mild exercise
- Taking calcium supplements
- Taking vitamin D
Lifestyle changes like the ones mentioned above are the number one treatment options for osteoperosis. There are however, medicinal alternatives. Some of the medications used to treat osteoporosis include Fosamax, Actonel, Evista, ibandronate and Calcimar which are brand names of drugs which stop loss of bone and increase overall bone strength. Another set of drugs is used to actually increase bone growth, one of which is called Forteo.
Remember the most important thing is to talk to your doctor, tell your doctor everything and be up front with them; it’s your health. Be careful when you start an exercise regime as your bones are very susceptable to fractures and breaks.