OSTEOPOROSIS
May is national osteoporosis month, creating awareness of the disease and the lifestyle changes needed to be made for stronger bone health. Everyone should know their risk factors and more about what the disease actually does to bones. Here is a brief post discussing what osteoporosis is and how it can affect your life.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis means “porous bone” and is the disease of the bones. This disease occurs when you end up losing too much bone, causing your bones to become weak and may break from a minor fall or in more serious cases, from simple actions such as sneezing or bumping into furniture.
It’s Common
Osteoporosis and low bone mass affects about 52 million Americans. Studies have shown that due to osteoporosis, one in two women and up to one in four men age 50 and older will break a bone.
Osteoporosis is Serious
When you’re older, osteoporosis can cause serious bone complications, such as a broken hip, spine, or wrist. Osteoporosis can also cause loss of height due to the breakage of vertebrae, and as a result, posture may become stooped or slumped.
Because of Osteoporosis, 20 percent of seniors who break a hip die within a year due to the complications caused by the broken bone or from the surgery performed to repair it. Many of those that survive need long-term nursing home care. Due to osteoporosis, there are two million broken bones and $19 billion in related costs every year.
The Silent Disease
Osteoporosis is often called the silent disease since you can’t feel your bones getting weaker. If you notice that you are getting shorter or your upper back is curving forward, those are the first signs you may have osteoporosis. To prevent furthering the advancement of the disease, contact Blackstone Orthopedics for treatment of osteoporosis. Our knowledgeable orthopedic surgeons will provide the treatment necessary to treat osteoporosis or any other issues you may have. You can contact us at (800) 725-3037 or visit our site for more information.
