Are You at Risk for Osteoporosis?

We can help you “bone up” for better health.

Osteoporosis can be prevented and effectively treated.

Osteoporosis is the medical term for brittle bones—a bone thinning disease that leaves the skeletal system very vulnerable to breakage in an estimated 28 million Americans. It occurs as part of the aging process in some people and results in an imbalance in the body’s bone-building process. While it doesn’t sound very dangerous, osteoporosis causes more than 1.5 million fractures every year and is responsible indirectly for thousands of deaths (usually due to complications following a broken hip).

The good news is there are steps you can take to decrease your risk for osteoporosis. Even if you’ve been diagnosed with the disease, you can take measures to keep it from robbing you of your mobility and independence. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, something as simple as weight-bearing exercise and strength training is essential in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. At the outpatient Osteoporosis Treatment Program at Specialty Rehabilitation Inc., experienced therapists will work with you to develop a customized treatment program to help your bones last a lifetime.

Osteoporosis can cause bones to become so brittle and fragile, they can fracture. Most people with osteoporosis suffer fractures of the hips, wrists and spine, which can lead to disfigurement and decreased mobility. Fractures of the spine also lead to height loss, back pain, breathing problems, and slumped posture. 

Risk Factors

Among the risk factors for osteoporosis are:

• Age
• Body build (thin, small women are at higher risk)
• Ethnicity (most common in Caucasian and Asian women older than 50, but also affects men and women of all races and ages)
• Family history of osteoporosis or osteopenia (a precursor condition to osteoporosis)
• Inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake
• Lifestyle (habits such as smoking, heavy alcohol use and inactivity raise the risk)
• Low testosterone levels in men
• Postmenopausal
• Previous fracture
• Use of certain medications

Osteoporosis Treatment Program

It’s never too late to protect your bones. Our comprehensive Osteoporosis Treatment Program focuses on prevention of further bone loss and slowing the rate of bone loss and is specifically tailored to the needs of each individual. After conducting a comprehensive evaluation, we’ll work with you and your physician to design a treatment program that includes:

• Education about the disease and lifestyle choices that increase your risk
• Nutritional information including how to get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet
• Energy conservation techniques
• Strengthening and weight-bearing exercises
• Training in proper body mechanics and posture to restore normal body alignment and help reduce stress on bones
• Identification of potential hazards at home or at the workplace that could lead to a fracture or fall
• Your physician may prescribe drugs that preserve or increase bone mass