Public Health and Environment
Osteoporosis
No Bones About It ....
Osteoporosis is a bone thinning disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle. It is often called the silent disease because it develops slowly over a long period of time without symptoms or pain. In the early stages, osteoporosis may have few, if any, noticeable signs. However, as more bone is lost than formed, the following symptoms may occur:
- Fractures, usually in the hip, spine or wrist
- Back pain or tenderness
- Loss of height
- Curving of the upper back (dowager's hump)
Osteoporosis Facts
- Osteoporosis affects more than 28 million Americans.
- 80 percent of people with osteoporosis are women.
- By age 20, the average woman has acquired 98 percent of her bone mass.
- 50 percent of women older than 50 in Washington County will experience at least one osteoporosis-related fracture.
- The rate of hip fractures is two to three times higher in women than men.
What Causes Osteoporosis?
Although the causes of this bone disease are unknown, we do know that aging and other factors can increase your likelihood of developing osteoporosis. Therefore, it is important for you to determine your risk and take preventive steps.
Risk Factors You Cannot Control
- I have a family history of osteoporosis.
- I have a small, thin frame.
- I am Caucasian or Asian.
- I have gone through menopause.
- I have gone through early menopause (before age 45).
- I have taken high doses of thyroid medication or steroid-type medications.
- I have or have had an eating disorder.
- I have a parent or sibling with a history of fractures.
Risk Factors You Can Control
- My diet is low in dairy products and other sources of calcium.
- I am physically inactive.
- I smoke cigarettes.
- I drink alcohol (more than an occasional drink).
- I have impaired eyesight which could lead to falls.
- I am frail or in poor health.
The more times you answer yes, the greater your risk for developing osteoporosis. Share these findings with your physician/provider. He/she may recommend a bone density test that accurately measures your bone density and helps diagnose the disease.
How Is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?
If you are at high risk for osteoporosis, your physician/provider may recommend a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test. This test accurately and painlessly measures your bone density and strength. Using a very small amount of radiation, a technologist scans your hip and spine to determine your bone mass. Results are then compared with the average BMD of healthy young adults when bone mass is at its peak. If your results show that you have osteoporosis, your physician/provide will review treatment options that are best for you.
Should I Have A Bone Density Test?
Medicare covers all FDA-approved bone density tests for the following groups of patients:
- estrogen-deficient women at risk for osteoporosis;
- people with vertebral abnormalities;
- people receiving, or planning to receive, long-term steroid therapy;
- people with primary hyperparathyroidism;
- people being monitored to assess the response of an approved osteoporosis drug therapy.
Medicare will only reimburse when test is ordered by a physician/provider. Frequency of testing is once every two years. Talk To Your Physician!
