Osteoporosis: The Absolute Necessities To Know About

Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease that can lead to a loss of bone density and strength, making bones brittle and more susceptible to fractures. If you live in Oklahoma City (OKC) and suspect you may have osteoporosis, seeking treatment from experts is crucial. Pain management is essential to treating osteoporosis, and understanding its symptoms, development and prevention is critical.

Osteoporosis Symptoms

Osteoporosis seems like a "silent disease" because there are usually no symptoms until degeneration begins However, some early signs may include.

  • Back pain

  • Loss of height

  • A stooped posture

  • A tendency to fracture bones easily

  • Bone tenderness

  • Fractures

  • Pain in the neck, back, or hips

How Osteoporosis Develops

Bone is a living tissue that constantly breaks down and is replaced with new tissue. In healthy adults, the body can replace old bone tissue with new tissue at an equal rate, maintaining bone density and strength. However, as you age, bone tissue breaks down faster than new tissue forms, losing bone density and strength.

Osteoporosis develops when the body loses too much bone or makes too little new bone, causing bones to become brittle and more susceptible to fractures. Although osteoporosis can affect anyone, women are more likely to develop this condition than men. Other factors that may increase the risk of osteoporosis include age, family history, low body weight, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and certain medical conditions.

How To Retain Your Bone Health

Although osteoporosis is a progressive disease, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing this condition or slow its progression. Here are some ways to retain your bone health. These tips come directly from the top pain management specialists in OKC. Following them will relieve you to some extent.

  • Get enough calcium and vitamin D:

Calcium and vitamin D are essential for healthy bones. Calcium helps your body create and sustain bone density. At the same time, vitamin D allows the body to take in calcium. Good sources of calcium include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods. Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, and one can also find it in fatty fish and fortified foods.

  • Exercise regularly:

Regular physical activity, particularly weight-bearing exercises, can help strengthen bones and improve balance, reducing the risk of falls and fractures.

  • Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption:

Smoking and drinking alcohol can weaken bones and increase the chances of fractures. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can help maintain bone health.

  • Speak to your doctor about bone density tests:

If you risk developing osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend a bone-density test. This test measures the strength and density of bones, helping to identify if osteoporosis is present or aggravating.

The Dangers Of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis can be a dangerous condition, particularly in older adults. The risk of fractures increases as bones become weaker and brittle, and a fracture can lead to significant pain, disability, and loss of independence. Moreover, fractures in older adults may lead to prolonged hospitalization, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality rates.

Pain Management

Pain management is an essential aspect of treating osteoporosis. There are several treatment options available to manage pain associated with this condition. Pain management specialists can help to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Medications may include over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or prescription medications such as opioids, depending on the severity of the pain. Physical therapy can help to strengthen muscles and improve mobility, reducing the risk of falls and fractures. Lifestyle changes may include weight-bearing exercises, improving posture, and consuming a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.

Where To Get The Treatment

If you live in and need treatment regarding pain management in OKC, you should contact Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers at the earliest. Here you will find out about some of the finest medical professionals in the country. With our help, beating this immense pain will be no big deal for you.

**Disclaimer: This blog post does not establish terms of a doctor-patient relationship and is not intended to be taken as a doctor's advice.