Osteoporosis

In osteoporosis, a loss of bone density makes bones weaker and more likely to break, and also causes some patients to lose height.

Medical professionals

1 May 2021 | 5 Min. Reading Time

Overview

In osteoporosis, a loss of bone density makes bones weaker and more likely to break, and also causes some patients to lose height. It is caused by an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation – often owing to a hormone deficiency. Regular exercise and a diet high in calcium can counter the effects of this disease.

Symptoms

Early symptom: widespread back pain
Rounded back, loss of height
Pathologic fractures (spontaneous fractures without sufficient external trauma)
- Vertebral fractures
- Femoral neck
- Upper and lower arm (in particular in vicinity of wrist)

Causes and treatment

Causes

Basic cause: an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation
Hormone deficiency (in particular women after menopause)
Older people (bone density usually declines with age)
Medication (in particular long-term use of cortisone)
Little to no exercise (confinement to bed, paralysis, etc.)
Eating disorders
Risk factors
- Alcohol abuse
- Heavy nicotine consumption
- Early menopause

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

X-ray and blood test
Bone density measurement (osteodensitometry, DXA scan)

Possible therapies

Long-term treatment over many years is required
Movement therapy (important to regain the ability to walk)
Nutritional counselling
Fall prevention
Pain treatment
Medication
- Prevent further loss of bone density
- Support bone formation
Surgery to treat fractures
- Hip replacement
- Stabilisation of vertebrae

What can I do myself?

Prevent osteoporosis (primary preventive measures)

Build strong bones while still young
Lots of physical movement, preferably in the fresh air, exercise
Supporting diet
- Rich in calcium: hard cheese, various mineral water beverages
- Lots of vegetables and fruit, but little meat (too much protein speeds up bone loss)
- Very little sausage, chocolate, cola and meat (high in phosphate, hinders absorption of calcium in the intestinal tract)
Recommended daily nutritional supplement
- Before menopause, 1 g calcium
- After menopause, 1.5 g calcium
- More calcium is needed for pregnant and breastfeeding women and during puberty
Vitamin D3 supplements (important for absorption of calcium by the bones)
- Recommended for everybody in winter
- Persons at risk (mostly people with too little sun exposure and the over 60s): take vitamin D supplements throughout the year
Don't drink too much alcohol, don't smoke.

Get a personal Preventive Care Recommendation now.

Osteoporosis has been diagnosed (secondary measures)

All of the above primary preventive measures
Physical exercise remains important; expert advice is needed (inappropriate exercise can lead to fractures)
Reduce the risk of falling:
- Wear suitable shoes
- Use walking aids (walking stick, Zimmer frame, etc.)
- Remove sources of danger in your home (rugs that can slip, cables lying around, etc.)
- Exercises to improve balance
For bone pain: heat treatment (e.g. hay flower bath) or moist warm compresses)

When to see a doctor?

Chronic back pain
Rounded back, loss of height
Osteoporosis screening is recommended for:
- All women from the age of 65
- Younger women with risk factors (alcohol abuse, heavy nicotine consumption, early menopause)