Osteoporosis is a condition that many of us will experience at some point in our lives. According to recent statistics from the International Osteoporosis Foundation, worldwide, 1 in 3 women over the age of 50 years and 1 in 5 men will experience osteoporotic fractures in their lifetime.

When we think about osteoporosis, we may commonly associate it with an elderly individual breaking a hip from what seems like a minimal intensity fall, but we understand that this is a possibility due to age and bone health. While the condition may seem fairly straight forward, many aren’t aware that there are four different types of osteoporosis.

1. Primary Osteoporosis

Primary osteoporosis makes up the vast majority of the cases. There are many factors that contribute to its severity such as age, nutrition and activity level. Gender is often also a factor, as primary osteoporosis is more prevalent in women than men.

As bones reach their peak density around age 30, there is a gradual decline over time that occurs if one’s activity level does not help offset the amount breakdown-taking place. This occurs secondary to hormone levels decreasing, mainly testosterone (which promotes bone growth) and estrogen.

While we often associate this type of osteoporosis with the elderly population, it can happen in younger adults as well if activity levels are not enough to stimulate bone growth activity. Additionally, if hormone levels drop secondarily to overtraining or malnutrition, bone breakdown may also start as early as high school such as is seen in conditions associated with the Triad in male and female student-athletes.

2. Secondary Osteoporosis

Secondary osteoporosis is very similar to primary except that it occurs in response to a particular disease, normally one that will affect hormone levels within the body such as conditions that interfere with thyroid health. While primary may be addressed through a gradual change in activity levels and diet, secondary osteoporosis is often treated by hormone replacement therapy and other more extreme measures.

It is important to note that secondary osteoporosis may occur subsequently with primary, but must have an etiological mechanism to be classified as secondary.

3. Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a condition that is the result of a genetic mutation, affecting roughly 6-7 out of every 100,000 people. It has eight known types ranging from mild to severe and mainly affects bone health, causing conditions to manifest similar to traditional osteoporosis.

The condition will normally exist with other symptoms such as respiratory issues, height defects, and an abnormally small rib cage. Depending on the severity, bones can break often with very little stress applied. Also, in severe cases, the associated respiratory issues may decrease life expectancy in accordance with all of the other comorbidities present.

4. Idiopathic Juvenile Osteoporosis

This pediatric condition has no known cause and usually has an onset just before puberty. In essence, it is brittle and porous bones with no other associated symptoms and will usually resolve without medical treatment after a relatively short amount of time.

If this condition is found to be present, it is recommended to have children monitor their activity or follow their physician’s guidelines for maintaining general health.

When to Seek Help

If you are suffering from osteoporosis, call (903) 737-000 to schedule an appointment with the Paris Orthopedic Bone Health Clinic today. Our experts are committed to providing diagnosis, treatment and education for the primary and secondary prevention of osteoporosis. For more information, you can contact our office or visit The National Osteoporosis Foundation.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million have low bone density, placing them at increased risk.

Often referred to as a “silent disease,” osteoporosis is a bone disease that makes a person’s bones weak and more likely to break. But, if you can’t feel your bones getting weaker, how are you supposed to know if you have osteoporosis before you have a fracture? Here are six warning signs to look out for:

1. Receding gums: Like many other health problems, your dentist may be the first to notice early signs of osteoporosis so it’s important not to skip your regular teeth cleanings. If he or she notices receding gums, they can screen for bone loss in the jaw.
2. Weakened grip strength: Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men due to having smaller, thinner bones and the decrease of estrogen at the onset of menopause. Studies of postmenopausal women and their overall bone mineral density revealed that weaker handgrip strength can be an indicator of lower bone density. Those with stronger grip strength were also less likely to fall and get injured.
3. Weak, brittle fingernails: Nail strength can be a good indicator of bone health. However, weak and brittle fingernails don’t always mean there is a problem. It could just be the result of swimming frequently, gardening or participate in other activities that may affect your nails.
4. Loss of height: The most notable symptom of osteoporosis is the loss of height due to compression fractures in the spine. Unfortunately, by the time you notice this symptom your bones have already significantly deteriorated and is considered later-stage osteoporosis.
5. Back or neck pain: There are many causes of back or neck pain, but regardless of the reason it can significantly impede your everyday activities. Compression fractures of the spine caused by osteoporosis may also cause pinched nerves that radiate out from the spinal cord. You may experience mild tenderness or debilitating pain.
6. Stooped posture: Compression fractures may also cause slight curving of the upper back, or stooped posture. The medical term for this is kyphosis, but you might commonly hear it referred to as a widow’s hump.

Contact Paris Orthopedics

Osteoporosis can be prevented by building strong bones during childhood and adolescence. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or fear you may be at risk, the team of medical professionals at Paris Orthopedics and Sports Medicine can help.

Our experts are committed to the diagnosis, treatment, and education for the primary and secondary prevention of osteoporosis. Schedule an appointment with the Paris Orthopedic Bone Health Clinic today.