Osteoporosis is a disease. It is characterized by low bone mass and loss of bone density. It causes the bones to become weak and highly susceptible to fracture. Most of these fractures occur in the hip, spine and wrist. Unfortunately this disease often goes undiagnosed and in many cases is not treated adequately.

Osteoporosis is a public health threat. An estimated 75 million people in Europe, Japan and the US are affected by Osteoporosis.10 million Americans are already afflicted with the disease and it is estimated that another 34 million have low bone mass, or Osteopenia, a precursor to Osteoporosis. One and one half million fractures annually are attributed to Osteoporosis costing $15 billion dollars in healthcare. 15-30% of men and 30-50% of women will suffer from an Osteoporosis related factor in their lifetime. Spinal, hip and wrist fractures occur at a rate of that of heart disease. Of those who suffer from broken hips up to 20% die within a year; though women account for about 75% of broken hips, the mortality rate is nearly double in men. Suffering from fractures leads to decreased quality of life, pain, deformity, immobility and depression. Prior fracture of any kind increases risk of future fractures.

There is no single cause for Osteoporosis. There are several risk factors that have been identified and associated with the disease. The greater number of factors increases the rate of risk of getting Osteoporosis. Some of these factors cannot be changed while there are others that can. Risk factors include age, gender, ethnicity, body type and family history. Women get Osteoporosis more often than men, the older you are the greater the risk. Small build or exceptionally skinny women are at a greater risk. White and Asian women have the highest risk, while African American and Hispanic have a lower risk. Osteoporosis does tend to run in families so if someone in your family has it there is a greater chance that you will get it. Other risk factors include low estrogen levels in women and low testosterone in men, certain medications, inactivity, smoking, alcohol, anorexia, and low intake of calcium and Vitamin D.

There is no cure for Osteoporosis. However it is preventable and treatable. There are steps that can be taken to help strengthen and increase bone mass. Eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, adequate exercise, not smoking and not drinking alcohol in excess will help to make and keep bones stronger and healthier. Treatments consist of the same measures used to prevent Osteoporosis along with the addition of medication if necessary.

Osteoporosis is often referred to as the silent disease because there are no visible signs or symptoms of bone loss. Fractures may even occur without your immediate knowledge. Often times the disease is not detected until a painful break or fracture, mostly of the hip, wrist or spine occurs from a simple fall or injury. If you do have Osteoporosis extra care should be taken to prevent falls.