Osteoporosis is a disease of the skeleton whereby the bones become so weakened and brittle they are prone to break more easily, often with little or no trauma. When this happens, simple things like a fall, coughing, or getting out of a chair can result in a broken bone. Although osteoporosis can occur in both men and women of all ages and ethnicities, it is primarily seen in older individuals, and women are more likely to develop it than men. Primary osteoporosis is mainly a result of an individual’s genetic background. Secondary osteoporosis is caused by another condition or disease that leads to bone weakening.
Osteoporosis is a very big problem today, in part because people are living longer. Current estimates suggest that 200 million people or more worldwide have osteoporosis. In the United States there are greater than 1.5 million fractures seem due to osteoporosis annually, making it one of the most common diseases of the elderly. Unfortunately, despite recent advancements, studies show many people are not evaluated or treated for their disease, in part because they do not know they have it or understand the consequences.
There are no obvious symptoms of osteoporosis until someone has a fracture. Although any site in the skeleton can fracture, studies show it is more likely to occur at certain places such as the spine (vertebra), hip and forearm. If a fracture does occur, it can cause pain and disability. However not all fractures cause pain and studies show over half the people who suffer spinal (vertebral) fractures experience no pain at the time of their fracture. Other symptoms these people might notice are loss of height (shrinking 1 inch or more), stooping of their posture and shortness of breath. People who suffer osteoporosis related fractures are more likely to have another fracture than people who do not, and they also have a higher mortality rate.
Until recently, osteoporosis could not be easily diagnosed until a fracture occurred. However, today with new technology most people who are at risk can be identified before a fracture occurs, allowing them to start appropriate preventative treatment programs, the goal of which is to prevent fractures occurring in the first place. Even if a person already has suffered a fracture, lifestyle changes and medications today can significantly reduce the risk of further fractures.
| Female | Caucasian | Advanced age | History of bone facture | A small thin frame |
| A family history of osteoporosis | Removal of the ovaries | Early menopause | A low calcium diet | Lack of exercise |
| Eating disorders | Certain Medicines (such as steroids or anticonvulsants) | Alcohol use | Hyperthyroidism | Smoking or chewing tobacco |
We test for osteoporosis at the Family Care Network Medical Testing Center. Contact your physician if you meet any of the risk factors. When having a Dexa scan performed with us, you will receive a full color, patient friendly report sent directly to you that describes your results. Dr. Denis Foster reads the exams, and we are proud to let you know that he is the only physician in Whatcom County certified by the International Society of Clinical Denisitometry (ISCD) to provide this service.