Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is characterized by a decrease of bone density. It results in insufficient bone formation or excessive bone resorption. Osteoporosis is the most common irreversible bone disease and effects more women than men in the United States. One of the consequences of osteoporosis are hip fractures which occurs commonly in those over the age of seventy. Hip fractures frequently result in pelvic pain.
Causes
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Risk factors
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Symptoms
*Usually symptoms are present in the later stages of the disease
- Bone pain or tenderness
- Fractures
- Loss of height over time
- Low back pain due to vertebral fractures
- Neck pain due to vertebra fractures
- Kyphosis
Diagnosis and Treatment
Osteoporosis is most commonly diagnosed using a densitometry or DEXA scan. The DEXA scan takes a measurement of the amount of bone density in the body.
Treatment includes pharmaceutical approaches, altering diet and exercise. Specifically physical therapists are involved in promoting regular exercise that includes weight bearing activities and resistance training.
Treatment includes pharmaceutical approaches, altering diet and exercise. Specifically physical therapists are involved in promoting regular exercise that includes weight bearing activities and resistance training.
References
Health P. Osteoporosis: Thin Bones. A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia: A.D.A.M., Inc.; 2012.
Dutton M. Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention. 2 ed: McGraw-Hill, Medical Publishing Division; 2008.
Images
http://www.hygenicblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/osteoporosis2.jpg
http://www.joanaragone.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Osteoporosis.jpg