OsteoporosisOsteoporosis literary means porous bone. In simple terms, it is a disease caused by the loss of minerals resulting in low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue. This loss and deterioration of the bones allowing them to become weak, thin and brittle and increases the risk of fractures from simple falls. The fractures can be painful and disabling particularly when the fractures occur in the spine, hip, wrist and shoulder. What are the Causes? 
Our entire skeletal system is made up of two types of bone. The hard outside layer of bone is called the cortical. The inside of the bone is made up of an open structure of spongy bone called cancellous or trabecular bone. You have to understand that our bones are not static and rebuild them completely approximately every 10 years. The bone rebuilding has two processes. First is the resorption of bone creates small cavities particularly in the cancellous bone – this is needed for space to create new bone. Second process is the new bone formation filling the cavities created by resorption. These cavities are filled with calcium and other vital minerals. If your body does not have the proper balance of calcium and other minerals and vitamins in your system, your body can not form the new bone but the re-absorption process continues on at the same rate. This causes the increased porous structure of the bones resulting in osteoporosis. If you are not sure if you are at risk for developing this condition, read this information. Often, people are diagnosed with the disease after a simple, painless bone mineral density test. They are a variety of test but experts are currently recommending the BMD (bone mineral density) be done by DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry). In the end, they will present you an SD sore. The World Health Organization defines a DEXA score of greater than -2.5 SD as having osteoporosis and a high risk of fractures. A DEXA score of -1.1SD to -2,5 SD is still concerned low bone density and often classified as osteoponia (a precursor). Even with a DEXA score higher than -2.5SD you still have may not have any symptoms including pain. Additional ResourcesThe Risk Factors of Osteoporosis QuizKnowing your risk factors of osteoporosis and the causes are key for preventing this silent disease. Take the quick quiz to see if you are at risk. Risk Factors Learn about the risk factors associated with Osteoporosis and Osteopenia. Bone Density Test – Learn Your Risk Learn more about what the test is and how it can help you determine your risk. The Facts about Calcium Many people do know know their own bodies calcium requirements. The facts about calcium is to help you learn how much and why you need this vital mineral in the body. It does a lot more than build bones. Medications for Osteoporosis There are a number of FDA approved medication but learn the risks and additional measures you need to take before you begin. Flexibility Exercises and Training – What are the Benefits? A review of flexibility exercises and training and why the body needs in it order to achieve a wider range of motion and stability. The Basics of Pilates and Osteoporosis Pilates is a popular fitness program that is known to focus on stretching, strengthening and balancing of the different areas of the body and helpful in Osteoporosis prevention. Return to Home Page from Osteoporosis
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Osteoporosis is often referred to as “The Silent Disease.” Many people never know they have it until they experience its debilitating results, and it’s a lot more common than people realize. The disease is cause a fracture in one out of two women and one out of four men over age 50 in the remainder of their lifetime. 