Osteoporosis symptoms & treatment in Chicagoland

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is called a “silent” disease because people who have it often don’t have any symptoms. In most people, as old bone tissue dies, the body constantly makes new, strong bone tissue. Osteoporosis is a bone disease in which old bone is not replaced by new bone fast enough, causing a decrease in bone mass and density. Over time, the bones become weak and brittle and may fracture easily – even from lightly bending, lifting, coughing or a minor fall. It’s only after breaking a bone that some people are diagnosed with osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis symptoms

Early osteoporosis symptoms

Very early symptoms of bone loss in some people may include:

• Receding gums or losing teeth as the jaw loses bone
• Low grip strength in hands
• Brittle fingernails due to slower nail growth

Later osteoporosis symptoms

If you already have significant bone loss, signs of osteoporosis can include:

• Bones that fracture easily
• Collapsed or fractured vertebra(e)
• Height loss over time
• Kyphosis (a stooped or curved posture) when sitting or standing
• Back pain

The four stages of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis develops gradually – in four stages over many years – and it’s often not diagnosed until you break a bone.

Osteoporosis stage 1

During the ages of 20-40 bones break down at the same rate new tissue forms. This is considered the first stage of osteoporosis because this is the first time since birth that bone growth is no longer outpacing bone loss. There are no osteoporosis symptoms at this stage, and bone density will be normal.

Osteoporosis stage 2

At this stage bone loss starts to outpace bone growth. If you break a bone or get bone density testing, you might be diagnosed with osteopenia, or slight bone loss.

Osteoporosis stage 3

This is the stage where osteoporosis begins. You still might not have any osteoporosis symptoms, but you’ll be at increased risk for broken bones – even from simple injuries that previously would not have caused a fracture.

Osteoporosis stage 4

This is the most severe form of osteoporosis, and it’s the only stage where you can physically notice bone loss in your general appearance. Softer and weaker bones can show in the form of spinal deformities such as a bent-over appearance and pain with everyday activities. Most people at this stage have had one or more bone breaks or fractures.

Osteoporosis causes and risk factors

Osteoporosis is caused when enough bone mass is lost that it leads to changes in the bone tissue structure. There are certain risk factors that increase your chances of developing the disease or that can lead to osteoporosis.

The following can increase your risk for developing osteoporosis:

• Age: New bone growth slows as you age. Over time, your bones can weaken, causing osteoporosis.
• Alcohol use: Chronic heavy drinking is a significant risk factor.
• Diet: A diet low in calcium and vitamin D, excessive dieting or poor protein intake can increase your risk for osteoporosis and fractures.
• Family history: Your risk for osteoporosis may increase if one of your parents has a history of osteoporosis or hip fracture.
• Hormones: Low levels of estrogen in women and testosterone in men can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.
• Medical conditions: Gastrointestinal diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, endocrine and hormonal diseases, HIV/AIDS, anorexia nervosa and cancer can make you more likely to get osteoporosis.
• Physical activity: Low levels of physical activity and prolonged periods of inactivity can contribute to an increased rate of bone loss.
• Race: White and Asian people are at highest risk.
• Sex: Women are at greater risk for osteoporosis because they usually have smaller and less dense bones than men. Men are also at risk, but they are more likely to get osteoporosis after age 70.
• Smoking cigarettes: Studies show that smoking is a risk factor for osteoporosis and fracture.

Osteoporosis prevention

You can help prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures by:

• Doing weight-bearing exercise such as walking and lifting weights
• Drinking alcohol in moderation
• Eating a nutritious diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
• Not smoking
• Taking your medications, if prescribed, to help prevent fractures

Osteoporosis diagnosis

Doctors usually diagnose osteoporosis during a routine screening for the disease. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for women over age 65 and women of any age who have broken a bone, fractured their spine or who have risk factors that increase their chance of developing osteoporosis.

When you visit your doctor, remember to report previous fractures and your family history of osteoporosis and bone fractures. The doctor will ask you about other medical conditions and medications as well as your menstrual history, which can affect your risk for osteoporosis. Also be prepared to talk about your lifestyle habits such as diet, exercise, alcohol use and smoking history.

Your doctor may do a physical exam to check your balance and the way you walk and to check for height and weight loss and changes in your posture. Testing may include blood work, DEXA scan (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) to measure bone mass and thickness and X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to show any new or existing fractures.

Osteoporosis treatment & prevention

Treating osteoporosis requires the expert care we offer to ensure you stay healthy and avoid complications and fractures. Our team will evaluate your condition, discuss your test results and develop a personalized osteoporosis treatment plan that will help you improve your functional mobility and minimize your osteoporosis symptoms.

Taking care of your bone health to prevent osteoporosis

• Eating a nutritious diet rich in protein, calcium and vitamin D
• Drinking alcohol in moderation
• Not smoking
• Doing weight-bearing exercise such as walking and lifting weights

Nonsurgical osteoporosis treatment

For nonsurgical osteoporosis treatment, your doctor may recommend the following to slow or help stop bone loss and prevent fractures:

• Exercise to increase strength, muscle mass, coordination and balance plus relieve pain
• Instruction in correct body mechanics for work and daily activities to avoid excessive strain to the spine that can lead to fractures
• Physical therapy
• Fall prevention education
• Medications for pain or to treat osteoporosis
• Calcium or vitamin D supplements
• Weight loss

Surgical osteoporosis treatment

For more advanced osteoporosis, additional osteoporosis treatment may also include spinal surgery such as:

• Kyphoplasty: First a balloon is inserted into the affected area to decompress your spine and allow you to regain lost height. Then your doctor will inject bone cement to stabilize your vertebrae.
• Spinal fusion: Two vertebrae are permanently fixed together to reduce pain, increase spinal stability and stop the formation of bone spurs.
• Spinal nerve block: An anesthetic drug is injected near or directly into your spinal nerve. Spinal nerve blocks can provide pain relief and are sometimes used as a diagnostic tool to determine the source of your pain.
• Spinal stabilization: Your doctor implants rods, screws or locking plates in your spinal column. For less severe fractures, an orthotic vest or brace may be used instead.
• Vertebroplasty: Your doctor injects a medical-grade substance called bone cement, which "glues" the spine in its proper position to reduce pain and bone deformity.

Osteoporosis complications

In advanced stages, osteoporosis can cause or occur along with several other health conditions including:

• Cervical spinal stenosis and myelopathy (cervical spondylotic myelopathy): A narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck area, which may cause your spinal cord to become compressed or damaged. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, tingling, balance problems, muscle weakness and dizziness.
• Hypocalcemic tetany: A condition where extremely low blood levels of calcium (hypocalcemia) cause involuntary muscle contractions. If left untreated, it can lead to osteoporosis.
• Radiculopathy: Pressure on a nerve root that results in pain, weakness and numbness. Depending on the location of the nerve, you may also have difficulty controlling specific muscles.
• Spinal compression fracture: A break or rupture in the vertebrae (the bones that make up the spine), sometimes referred to as collapsed vertebrae. The most common sign is severe back pain.