What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by the reduction of density and quality of bone, which leads to weakness in the skeletal system and increased risk of fracture, particularly of the spine, wrist, hip, pelvis and upper arm. Osteoporosis and associated fractures are an important cause of mortality and morbidity.

In many cases, bone loss is gradual and without warning signs until the disease is in its advanced stages. Known as “the silent crippler” or “the silent disease”, Osteoporosis is usually not detected until its too late. Many times, the first real sign is a broken bone. Others notice a loss of height with gradual curvature of the back which is caused by compression fractures in the vertebrae..

A disease that can affect anyone

Osteoporosis is an increasing global disease with the world growing in numbers and in age.  It affects people from all around the world similarly without bias.

There are misconceptions about osteoporosis, for example that it is a disease only affecting women.  According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, it is estimated that worldwide one in three women and one in five men over 50 years of age will suffer an osteoporotic fracture. Declining estrogen levels during menopausedoes contribute to an increased risk in women, but men also experience declining hormones in testosterone throughout life.  This also causes risk of bone loss and thus increases the risk of osteoporosis.

A costly and dangerous global priority

Since Osteoporosis was finally defined as a disease in 1994, the World Health Organization (WHO) has since identified osteoporosis as a priority health issue.  According to the WHO, Osteoporosis related problems are a “great burden to society.” Hip fractures are the most serious, as they nearly always result in hospitalization, are fatal about 20% of the time, and produce permanent disability about half the time.  With the population growth, osteoporotic fractures are growing rapidly.  There were 1.7 million hip fractures in 1990 alone worldwide.  The WHO estimates this figure to rise to 6 million by 2050.

Prevention

The idea that osteoporosis isa normal part of aging and we just have to live with it is false.  Recent studies suggest that a healthy diet high in calcium along with regular exercise may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.  Additionally, adequate calcium intake early in life helps reduce risk of fracture by increasing peak bone mass.

Although genetic factors will determine whether an individual is at heightened risk of osteoporosis, lifestyle factors can influence the acquisition of bone mass in youth and the rate of bone loss later in life.