Frequently Asked Questions About Osteoporosis

Q: What is osteoporosis?
A: The National Osteoporosis Foundation defines it as a chronic, progressive disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. This results in fragility and increased risk of fracture.

Q: How likely am I to get osteoporosis?
A: One third to one half of postmenopausal women will develop osteoporosis, and one third of all women over fifty will suffer a related fracture.

NOTE:
Approximately 1.5 million fractures occur annually in the U.S. due to osteoporosis. Of these, 500,000 are vertebral, 275,000 are hip, and 200,000 are wrist. About 50,000 deaths each year are attributed to these injuries. In 1995, osteoporosis accounted for 432,000 hospitalizations, 2.5 million doctor visits and180,000 nursing home admissions.

Q: What are the major risk factors for osteoporosis?
A: These are the most common predictors.

  ► Being female and postmenopausal.

  ► Advanced age.

  ► A family history of the disease on maternal side.

  ► A diet low in calcium or poor calcium absorption

  ► Inactive lifestyle or long period of bed rest

  ► Excessive alcohol, tobacco or caffeine consumption

  ► Chronic corticosteroid use

  ► High protein/phosphate intake         

Q: What can I do to help prevent osteoporosis?
A: Regular weight bearing exercise, low to moderate alcohol consumption, giving up cigarettes, regular doctor visits, increased calcium intake, supplements including vitamin D.

Click HERE to visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation's website. They have a lot of great information on this serious, but treatable condition.    Back To Top

site map  |   meet the doctor   |   hours and location   |   health info  |   contact us    |  about Chiropractic   |   nutrition and exercise