Published on Oct 20, 2016 and last reviewed on Oct 10, 2019 - 4 min read
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a problem that is largely preventable. This article focuses on the causes of osteoporosis and the available treatment modalities.
Osteoporosis refers to a reduction in bone strength. The defining characteristics of a bone include its strength and quality. Osteoporosis can affect the strength, quality or both the characteristics. Osteoporosis is a major cause of pathological fractures in postmenopausal women and the elderly. Although earlier it was believed that it was an inevitable accompaniment of aging, recent data indicate that it is largely preventable.
Who Is at Risk?
Everybody does not develop osteoporosis. Certain populations are especially vulnerable to develop osteoporosis.
How Do I Know That I Have Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a silent disease. Most often the individual is not aware of its existence until he suffers a fracture. These fractures occur with the slightest impact and happen during activities like bending, lifting weights, coughing or with other minor stresses. Hence, these fractures are called pathological fractures. This commonly results in the collapse of the spinal vertebrae. The presenting symptoms include severe back pain, a reduction in the height of a person due to the collapsed vertebrae and assumption of a stopped or hunched posture.
Investigations to Confirm Osteoporosis
Approach to the diagnosis should be holistic and comprehensive.
Treatment Options of Osteoporosis
Specific Interventions and Drugs for Osteoporosis
1. Bisphosphonates
These are medications that inhibit osteoclastic activity. Osteoclasts are cells that accelerate bone loss. Commonly used bisphosphonates include Alendronate, Pamidronate, Etidronate, Zoledronic acid, and Risedronate.
2. Parathormone Analogue
This is available in the form of an injection. The generic name of this analogue is Teriparatide. Usage beyond two years is not recommended. This is particularly employed in postmenopausal women and men who are at high risk for fractures.
3. Strontium Ranelate
This is a RANK ligand (RANKL) inhibitor and is beneficial in postmenopausal women.
4. SERMs
These are selective estrogen receptor modulators. These act as estrogen agonists in some tissues and block estrogen's effects in some other tissues. These are not estrogen preparations but they themselves have estrogen-like effects in certain tissues.
5. Calcitonin
This is involved in the metabolism of calcium. It also plays a part in bone metabolism. This is used in women who are at least five years postmenopausal.
6. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
This is used for both the prevention of osteoporosis in high-risk women and also to treat the hot flushes of menopause.
Emotional After-Effects of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis comes with its fair share of emotional effects. Since mobility gets impaired, people feel disabled. This paves way for a host of negative mood states like anxiety, depression, panic, and phobia. It is vital to liaise with a mental health professional who will offer appropriate treatment to improve the overall quality of life. Such liaison also helps the patient to better cope with the crisis.
In summary, osteoporosis represents an important public health problem and the aphorism 'prevention is better than cure' sounds very apt in dealing with osteoporosis.
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Last reviewed at:
10 Oct 2019 - 4 min read
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