What Happens When You Have Osteoporosis?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Osteoporosis

causes bones to become weak and brittle

— so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses such as bending over or coughing can cause a fracture. Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the hip, wrist or spine.

What is the life expectancy of a person with osteoporosis?

The average life expectancy of osteoporosis patients is

in excess of 15 years in women younger than 75 years and in men younger than 60 years

, highlighting the importance of developing tools for long-term management.

What should you do if you have osteoporosis?

Your doctor will likely prescribe medications as well as lifestyle changes. These lifestyle changes can include increasing your

intake of calcium and vitamin D

, as well as getting appropriate exercise. There’s no cure for osteoporosis, but proper treatment can help protect and strengthen your bones.

How serious is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a

serious and sometimes fatal condition

. Osteoporosis leads to hip fractures and, according to Sellmeyer, around 25 percent of people die within the first six to 12 months after a hip fracture.

What will happen if osteoporosis is left untreated?

Osteoporosis left untreated

increases the likelihood of fractures

. Simple actions such as sneezing or coughing, making a sudden turn, or bumping into a hard surface can result in a fracture. This can make you feel like you’re walking on eggshells and cause you to refrain from participating in activities that you enjoy.

Are bananas good for osteoporosis?

As all these nutrients play an essential role for your health, they also improve your bone density. Eat pineapple, strawberries, oranges, apples, bananas and guavas. All these fruits are loaded with vitamin C, which in turn, strengthen your bones.

What organs are affected by osteoporosis?

Osteoporotic bone breaks are most likely to occur in the

hip, spine or wrist

, but other bones can break too. In addition to causing permanent pain, osteoporosis causes some patients to lose height. When osteoporosis affects vertebrae, or the bones of the spine, it often leads to a stooped or hunched posture.

What foods are bad for osteoporosis?

  • Salt. …
  • Caffeine. …
  • Soda. …
  • Red Meat. …
  • Alcohol. …
  • Wheat Bran. …
  • Liver and Fish Liver Oil.

Does walking help osteoporosis?

You can prevent bone loss with regular exercise, such as walking. If you have osteoporosis or fragile bones,

regular brisk walking can help to keep your bones strong and reduce the risk of a fracture in the future

.

How should you sleep with osteoporosis?

What’s the best sleeping position for osteoporosis of the spine?

Sleeping on your side or back

are both viewed as suitable for those with brittle bones. You may want to avoid sleeping on your stomach because it can cause too much of an arch in the back, which is both unhealthy and uncomfortable.

Is sitting bad for osteoporosis?

“If you have low bone density, however, and you put a lot of force or pressure into the front of the spine — such as in a sit-up or toe touch —

it increases your risk of a compression fracture

.” Once you have one compression fracture, it can trigger a “cascade of fractures” in the spine, says Kemmis.

What are the first signs of osteoporosis?

  • Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra.
  • Loss of height over time.
  • A stooped posture.
  • A bone that breaks much more easily than expected.

Does osteoporosis shorten life span?

The residual life expectancy was

18.2

years for men beginning osteoporosis treatment at age 50 years and 7.5 years for men beginning treatment at age 75 years. The residual life expectancy was 26.4 years and 13.5 years for women who began treatment at ages 50 years and 75 years, respectively.

What happens if you don’t take medication for osteoporosis?

There are a number of factors that contribute to patients’ fear and reluctance to take osteoporosis drugs, leaving them at

increased risk of fractures

. . The net result is a large osteoporosis treatment gap, resulting in a high personal and economic burden from fractures that might have been prevented by treatment.

Which fruit is best for bones?

Food Nutrient Tomato products, raisins, potatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes,

papaya

, oranges, orange juice, bananas, plantains and prunes. Potassium
Red peppers, green peppers, oranges, grapefruits, broccoli, strawberries, brussels sprouts, papaya and pineapples. Vitamin C

What is the most effective treatment for osteoporosis?

  • Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill.
  • Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill.
  • Ibandronate (Boniva), a monthly pill or quarterly intravenous (IV) infusion.
  • Zoledronic acid (Reclast), an annual IV infusion.
Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.