Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : October 19, 2016 9:56 PM IST
Osteoporosis - a condition usually associated with old age is now affecting even young adults. The worst part about this type of arthritis is delayed diagnosis. It begins with mild pains and goes unnoticed till the person starts suffering from frequent fractures. Subtle signs and symptoms of osteoporosis are observed at times, but they are ignored due to lack of awareness. Women, men aged 50 yrs and above, people with calcium deficiency, etc are considered to be at a high risk of suffering from osteoporosis. Apart from this, those with a history of osteoporosis, thin body frame and excessive intake of alcohol or smoking addicts and women in post-menopausal phase are also prone to suffer from osteoporosis according to Dr Ashok Kumar, director, rheumatology at Delhi s Fortis Hospital.Experts tell you why old aged people are more prone to arthritis.
Many people often confuse osteoporosis with arthritis and wait for symptoms such as pain and swelling of joints before consulting a doctor. But, the fact is that the symptoms of osteoporosis occur when the clinical condition is quite advanced. People with osteoporosis symptoms that usually start off at a later stage of the disease report dull pain in the muscles and bones, which generally affects the lower back or neck region. Also, one can experience a sudden and sharp pain in the later course of the disease, where the bones have been weakened by osteoporosis. Here are some doctor-recommended tips to prevent osteoporosis.
Symptoms that one should look out for:
Back Pain:Back pain in osteoporosis is usually caused by fractures of the spine and is of very painful nature. This is because the fractured or collapsed vertebrae of the back prick the nerves spreading out from the spinal cord in a radial manner. The symptoms that are reported as a result of this range from tenderness in the back region to excruciating pain that may subside within a week. The pain may worsen after performing any physical activity that puts pressure on the affected area and may remain for around 3 months. Try these expert tips to deal with back pain.
Bone fracture: It is one of the most general symptoms of fragile bone caused by osteoporosis.Usually, a person gets to know that he is suffering from osteoporosis only after he has suffered a fracture in vertebrae (backbone), hip, forearm, etc; when sufficient bone mass is lost. These fractures may occur frequently if the affected area suffers any trauma from lifting, falling from standing posture, bending, etc. Did you know bone fractures in childhood may impact bone health later?
Stooped posture: In some cases, fractures of the spinal region caused by osteoporosis result in a stooped posture of the upper back leading to loss of height. Medically termed 'kyphosis or dowager's hump (in severe cases),' this condition is usually painless but the loss of height could be up to 6 inches due to drooping. It can cause pain in the back or the neck region and can also affect breathing. Correct your child's posture to avoid complications in future. Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. You can also try these natural foods to prevent osteoporosis.
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