A Complete Guide About Osteoporosis

Have you ever felt that your bones are getting weak? Do your bones break from a fall or even minor bumps?  If yes, you are having osteoporosis.

The word osteoporosis has been derived from Greek words osteo which means bone and poros meaning pores or passage. This name has been given because when an osteoporosis-affected bone is examined under a microscope, it seems like a honeycomb. As compared to a healthy bone, the pores in the affected bone are larger. Osteoporotic bones have less density and abnormal tissue structure, which is why they become weak and have a greater chance to break.

In Pakistan, it is estimated that every 2 out of 3 people don’t get enough calcium in their diet. There are 3 common reasons for it; firstly, dairy products are not pure, secondly, pure items are very expensive, and lastly, there is a lack of awareness. The situation is even worse in adults as more than 55% people above the age of 20 years are calcium deficient.

In order to spread awareness about this dangerous condition, in this post, we will discuss all the aspects to help you know more about it so that you can improve your lifestyle and keep it at a distance.

Osteoporosis is Common

Osteoporosis is very common all over the world including Pakistan. The number of patients all over the world has been increasing rapidly and at an estimate, there are more than 8.9 million cases annually resulting in a fracture every 3 seconds. The growing number of patients is also due to an aging population.

Osteoporosis can be Fatal

Although the chances of osteoporosis being deadly are remote, it is still a possibility. An osteoporotic fracture in the hip bone can be life-threatening. According to the figures released by health authorities, 25% cases of hip bone fracture die in the 3 months’ time. However, in most cases, osteoporosis leads to stooped or hunched posture. This may reduce mobility and become a cause of depression.

Signs & Symptoms of Osteoporosis

There are no signs in the early stages of osteoporosis; however, once your bones become weak, you may notice the following signs:

• Back pain
• Stooped posture
• Bone fracture occurring due to slight bumps
• Loss of height

Osteoporosis is Controllable

There is no specific treatment discovered for osteoporosis but you can take a few steps to control its progress. If you are able to do that, there are chances that you may recover the bone density. It is a silent disease and you may not even know if it is sneaking up on you. Once you start observing the signs of osteoporosis, it is better to find a doctor or a healthcare expert.

Prevention is always better than treatment and one of the best ways to prevent osteoporosis is by including calcium in your diet plan. There are different sources of calcium that you can use including green leafy vegetables, almonds, dairy products, nuts, pulses, and seeds.

If you feel you are having osteoporosis, it is wise to find a doctor right away and book an appointment. If diagnosed in the early stages, not only can osteoporosis be controlled but you have a greater chance of survival as well. We hope you find this article helpful and informative. If you have any queries, feel free to leave your comments below and we will get back to you.