Decreased bone density - Vibrant Life Center

What is decreased bone density?

Decreased bone density, also known as osteopenia or osteoporosis, is a condition where the bones become less dense and more porous over time. This leads to weaker and more brittle bones that are at higher risk for fractures.

Some key points about decreased bone density:

• It typically develops gradually as people age when bone breakdown exceeds bone rebuilding. Estrogen levels dropping after menopause accelerates bone loss in women.
• Major risk factors include aging, family history, smoking, low calcium/vitamin D intake, and physical inactivity. Certain medications like steroids also increase risk.
• Decreased density often causes no symptoms initially. But over time, back pain, loss of height, or fractures can occur, especially in the wrist, hip, and spine.
• It's diagnosed through a bone mineral density (BMD) test, like a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. This checks bone health using T-scores and Z-scores.
• Treatment focuses on slowing/preventing further bone loss to maintain strength and reduce fracture chances. Weight-bearing exercise, calcium/vitamin D supplements, quitting smoking, medication, and fall prevention help.
• If untreated, quality of life can worsen over time from pain, disability, or fractures leading to hospitalization. So early evaluation and management are key, especially for high-risk people.

In summary, decreased bone density is a common age-related disorder marked by weakened, porous bones prone to painful fractures. Staying active, getting enough calcium/vitamin D, and screening for bone loss help maintain skeletal health. Seeking timely care for emerging symptoms allows early treatment to reinforce bones before serious problems develop. Let me know if you have any other questions!