OSTEOPOROSIS — THE “SILENT” CONDITION WE SHOULD NOT IGNORE

Most people understand the importance of looking after their heart, muscles and joints—but bone health is often ignored until something goes wrong.

The problem is that osteoporosis usually develops without pain or obvious warning signs. You can feel healthy and active while your bones gradually become weaker.

What Is Osteoporosis?

Bone is living tissue. Throughout life, the body continually removes older bone and replaces it with new bone.

When we are young, we generally build bone faster than we lose it. As we age, this balance changes. If the body begins losing bone faster than it replaces it, the bones become less dense and more fragile.

Osteopenia means bone density is lower than normal. Osteoporosis is a more advanced loss of bone strength that increases the risk of fractures.

Healthy Bones Australia estimates that approximately 1.2 million Australians have osteoporosis, with a further 6.3 million having low bone density.

Why Is Osteoporosis Called a Silent Condition?

Unlike a sore muscle or injured joint, weakening bones usually do not hurt.

For many people, the first sign of osteoporosis is:

• A broken wrist after a relatively minor fall

• A hip fracture

• A spinal fracture

• Unexplained back pain

• Loss of height

• Increasingly rounded posture

A fracture following a small fall from standing height should not automatically be dismissed as bad luck. In adults over 50, it may indicate osteoporosis and should be discussed with a doctor.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Osteoporosis can affect both women and men.

Risk factors include:

• Increasing age

• Menopause, particularly early menopause

• A parent or sibling with osteoporosis or a hip fracture

• A previous fracture following a minor fall

• Long-term use of corticosteroid medication

• Low body weight or significant weight loss

• Low calcium intake

• Vitamin D deficiency

• Smoking

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Extended periods of inactivity

• Low testosterone in men

• Certain hormonal, inflammatory, digestive or kidney conditions

• Some cancer treatments

Women often lose bone more rapidly following menopause because of declining oestrogen levels. However, men can also develop osteoporosis and are sometimes diagnosed later because they do not realise they are at risk.

How Is Bone Density Checked?

Bone density is usually measured with a DXA or DEXA scan.

It is a quick, low-radiation scan that commonly measures the hips and spine. Doctors use the result, together with your age, health history, medications and previous fractures, to assess your future fracture risk.

Healthdirect recommends bone-density testing for all people aged 70 and over. Younger people may also require testing when they have relevant risk factors.

Why Finding Osteoporosis Early Matters

A diagnosis of osteoporosis does not mean a fracture is inevitable.

Fracture risk can often be reduced through a combination of:

• Appropriate strength and balance training

• Adequate calcium, vitamin D and protein

• Reducing the risk of falls

• Lifestyle changes

• Medical treatment when required

Exercise and nutrition are extremely important, but they do not necessarily replace osteoporosis medication. People who have been prescribed medication should never stop or change it without speaking to their doctor.

This Week’s Action

Consider whether any osteoporosis risk factors apply to you.

Speak with your GP if you:

• Are aged 70 or over and have not had your bone health assessed

• Have broken a bone after a minor fall

• Have lost noticeable height

• Have developed persistent or unexplained back pain

• Have a strong family history of osteoporosis

• Have taken corticosteroid medication for an extended period

• Are concerned about your bone health for any reason

  
  

Understanding your current bone health is the first step towards protecting your strength, mobility and independence.

Next week, we will explain why strength training is one of the most valuable things you can do for your bones—and why walking alone may not be enough.

Kind regards,

Dirk Hansen

DirksHealth

This article provides general information and does not replace individual medical advice.