Osteoporosis
What is it?
Signs and Symptoms:
- When bone creation occurs at a slower rate than bone breakdown - bones become weak and brittle leading to increased risk of bone fractures
- Bone is constantly being remodeled where it is broken down and then rebuilt. As you age the process of rebuilding the bone structure slows down until the point where bone destruction occurs at a faster rate than bone generation. Women who are post-menopause are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis
- Low levels of calcium intake will decrease the amount of bone rebuilding. In order for the body to maintain proper calcium levels it will take more from the bones and thus create bone strength deficits.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Usually, there are no signs in the early stages of Osteoporosis
- Bone breaks are generally the first sign notices of decreased bone density
- In the later stages you could see:
- Fractured bones
- Decreases in height
- Postural changes (stooped posture)
- Back pain caused by a fracture or collapsed vertebra
- Pain referral will not be present unless a fracture occurs
- Bone density scan
- A decrease in overall bone density will be seen with osteoporosis. The decrease in bone strength could lead to fractures within the shoulder that a “healthier” bone would not experience