Osteoporosis, also referred to by medical professionals as “porous bone,” is a condition characterized by bone deterioration and low bone mass. These problems make the bones fragile, which eventually leads to an increased risk of spine, wrist and hip fractures. Both women and men are affected by this disease, but it is more common in women.
Bone is primarily made of collagen and calcium phosphate, a combination that makes bones strong and flexible. Throughout the average person’s life, old bone is removed and new bone is added. However, as people age, old bone is removed faster than new bone is formed, which can lead to osteoporosis. Factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, family history of the disease, and body size are also risk factors.
1. Poor Posture
Those suffering from osteoporosis often have bad posture. The vertebrae of the spine support the entire body, and therefore allow people to sit and stand erect. When these bones are weakened, and become porous, a slouching posture typically becomes evident. Even individuals who always carried themselves well may tend to allow their shoulders to slope.
In most cases, the person does not notice this until it is brought to his or her attention by another individual. Although any type of bad posture may occur, a hunched appearance or forward curve in the spine and a somewhat drooping head are the most common posture problems associated with the disease.
2. Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is considered the most common vitamin deficiency in the United States. Many people know that calcium is important regarding bone growth and development, but not as many individuals realize that vitamin D also plays a vital role in bone health. Vitamin D makes it easy for calcium to be absorbed in the intestines.
For this reason, even if a person is consuming enough calcium, it may be poorly absorbed if he or she is vitamin D deficient. Therefore, lack of vitamin D can indirectly lead to osteoporosis in both women and men. Fortunately, it is easy to have vitamin D levels checked through a simple blood test. The National Institutes of Health recommend this blood test for those over 50, as well as anyone who is in a high-risk category for osteoporosis.
3. Muscle Pain and Cramps
Many men and women consider aches and pains as an inevitable part of aging; however, muscle pain and cramps may be a sign that bone support is needed. Even physicians sometimes attribute these symptoms to the normal aging process.
For this reason, these signs are often overlooked by medical professionals, even though they are well documented symptoms of calcium and low vitamin D levels. Leg and foot cramps that occur at night are often a sign that one is deficient in magnesium, calcium or vitamin D. If these deficiencies are left unchecked, bone density can be affected in a negative way, and the potential to develop porous bones increases.
4. Fingernails That Break Easily
Although many people entirely overlook thin, brittle nails, this can also be a sign of osteoporosis. This is particularly true if it is a newly developed symptom in a person who formerly had strong, sturdy nails that rarely chipped or cracked. However, fluctuating estrogen levels that occur during menopause may cause women to lose nail strength, and this is not necessarily a sign of osteoporosis. When in doubt, the symptom should be discussed with a medical professional.
5. Loss of Height
Although losing height later in life is not as uncommon as people think, it should not be overlooked as a possible symptom of osteoporosis. Degenerative disc disease, overall poor posture and undetected vertebral fractures can all contribute to a loss of height. However, if it is due to the development of porous bones, this symptom may indicate both muscle and bone weakness. Because bones and muscles must work together, they typically lose and gain strength simultaneously.
Therefore, muscles tend to contract when porous bones become weak and proper posture declines. It is not unusual for a man or woman who has lost bone density to measure a full inch less than his or her previous height.
6. Difficulty Keeping Active
Those suffering from osteoporosis typically experience a decline in activity, even if they were very physically fit before their bones began losing density. However, maintaining a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the disease, rather than alleviate symptoms. Even those who have been sedentary throughout their lives can gain a considerable number of benefits from moderate, self-paced exercise programs customized by a doctor or nutritionist. Studies have shown that even elderly people in their 80s and 90s benefit from mild aerobic exercise and have less difficulty keeping active than their sedentary counterparts.
7. Gum Problems
Receding gums are a very common malady of old-age, and osteoporosis is one of the conditions to which problems of this type are attributed. Because teeth are directly connected to one’s jaw bone, gums may recede if bone loss is being experienced in this area. Research has also shown that in postmenopausal women, loss of jaw bone is linked to low bone mineral density in the lumbar spine, pelvic area and vertebrae. Fortunately, the standard jaw x-rays taken during regular dental visits offer a great opportunity to be screened for bone loss.
8. Issues with Grip
Decreased grip strength is frequently a sign of osteoporosis, although it may be associated with many other conditions and diseases. A strong grip is fundamental to balance and fall prevention, and is a great indicator of overall bone density. If bone density is low, a weak grip is almost always present. A person may find that someone with a previously strong handshake now has a weakened grasp when compared with his or her former grip. However, any sign of weakness in any muscle or bone should be evaluated by a medical professional. Fortunately, treatments are available for osteoporosis and anyone experiencing the symptoms should schedule an appointment with a licensed healthcare practitioner who can properly evaluate the symptoms.
