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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Osteporosis explained

Osteoporosis, or "brittle bones," occurs when the bone density is reduced, resulting in thin, weak, and porous bones. The bone becomes thin due to a loss of calcium, causing persistent backache, in the neck, rib, and hip area, The back gradually becomes stooped, reducing height. The causes of osteoporosis are varied.

Osteporosis with age

As we grow older, our bones mass gets lighter and more brittle. This increase our vulnerability to fracture. The onset of osteoporosis aggravate the problems further. From medical observation worldwide, osteoporosis does not occur in the elderly only; it can even affect young people as young as 40. In our hectic modern lifestyle, lack of exercise, excessive smoking and caffeine intake, alcohol and drug abuse can increase the chances of osteoporosis and bone fracture.

Osteoporosis and Men

Men often think that osteoporosis is a woman's disease. So, they go on about their lives believing that they have one less disease to worry about. But the truth about osteoporosis is that it can also strike men, particularly in their forties or fifties. And having osteoporosis can be very problematic for men as almost all of them are used to an active and energetic lifestyle.

Osteoporosis treatment

If your doctor says your bone density is degenerating or that you have osteoporosis, what can you do? First of all, you need to make sure that you are taking a good calcium and magnesium supplement, for reducing osteoporosis. calcium is a difficult mineral to absorb, in your intestinal tract, taking magnesium improves your ability to absorb it. Using an ionic form of calcium provides for improved absorption.

CONCLUSION

Osteoporosis usually strikes the elderly population and can be prevented by a vitamin-rich diet, exercise and proper treatment. Any bone can be affected by osteoporosis as long as the infected bone is less dense than normal bones. However, a hip fracture requires major surgery and hospitalization. Spinal fractures have other serious consequences that include loss of height, severe back pain and deformity. Nowadays, millions of Americans are at risk of contracting osteoporosis. However, women are always four times more likely to develop this than men.