How can you tell if you have osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is compromised bone strength predisposing an individual to fractures. Bones grow, reform, and re-grow, at all stages of our lives keeping them strong and supple enough to be our skeletal support, but not be brittle. When we talk of bone health we are talking about not only the strength, but the character as well.




Most crippling and deforming vertebral fractures are usually silent. There are however quick at home tests for you. Is your arm span measurement greater than your height? Yes, Michael Phelps was born this way, but for many of us it means there maybe osteoporotic fractures of the spine causing wedging that leads to the curved and crumpled back posture. Try sitting on the floor and then stand, without using arms, and then balance separately on each foot. Bad balance may be a sign of bone issues as well. Do you have pain? Acute or chronic back pain might indicate an osteoporotic fracture which is most common in the mid back



The most accurate test is bone densitometry testing. DXA tests give you a T-score measurement of bone strength. There is actually no specific number that is completely “safe” from fracture, but the denser your bones on this test the less likely it is that you will fracture.



To cure osteoporosis we need to strengthen bones and prevent falls. To do this, begin with proper diet (calcium, Vitamins D and K) and exercise. Fracture-proof your house: put up a handrail; get good lights and non-skid rugs. Finally, bolster the treatment through the appropriate use of medication. Currently the best medications we have are bisphosphonates. These medications protect bone through strength and structure improvement and studies show consistent use is very protective against fractures. The critical problem is consistent use. Complex dosing and instructions for use make these medications less tolerable than other medications, but unlike other medications that might be a bit forgiving with missed doses, there is a rapid decline of effectiveness with a bisphosphonate medication that is not taken correctly. So while some bisphosphonates used to be given daily, we now have medications that can be given weekly, or monthly, and now, intravenous medication can be given quarterly or yearly.

Dr. Suzanne Trupin, CEO of Women’s Health Practice and Hada Cosmetic Medicine, in Champaign has been a paid consultant for Novartis, Roche, Proctor and Gamble Pharmaceutical companies.

First appeared in Active Senior