7:00 pm
Tuesday 25 October 2022
db a-
Abby J. Abelson said short stature or body curvature with age shouldn’t be seen as an inevitable condition. Significant loss of height with age is an indicator of osteoporosis, which can be prevented or delayed.
The Cleveland Clinic rheumatologist explained that osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones and puts them at risk for sudden and unexpected fractures. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, this disease is the most common bone disease; It affects one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 worldwide.
painful fractures
Abelson, a member of the American College of Rheumatology, added that osteoporosis often develops without symptoms or pain, and the infection usually isn’t discovered until the weakening of the bones causes painful fractures for the patient. Most of these fractures occur in the areas of the hip, wrist and spine, which can be very dangerous, especially hip and spine fractures. Because they often cause chronic pain and disability, and fractures in these two areas can lead to longer term problems for the patient than others.
Dr. Abelson explained that until the age of about thirty, the bone building process in individuals is usually more active than bone loss, but after age 35, bone loss becomes faster than the building process. , which leads to a gradual loss of bone mass. And if people have osteoporosis, they lose bone mass at even greater rates. In women, the rate of bone breakdown is faster after menopause.
The specialist noted that although people may be more susceptible to osteoporosis with age, taking a number of measures can help prevent and avoid this condition.
Osteoporosis and loss of height
On the link between osteoporosis and loss of height, Dr. Abelson explained that losing some height with age is normal; As the discs between the vertebrae of the spine flatten, in addition to the muscles beginning to lose mass and narrow spaces between the joints, a significant loss of height can indicate osteoporosis.
Dr. Abelson noted the misconception and prevalent among many people that losing height is always normal, noting that it is certain that losing half an inch or three quarters of an inch – less than 2 cm – can be normal, “But I have seen patients. who say they have lost two, three or four inches of their height, and thought it was a natural consequence of aging, but in reality it is not.
How to avoid bone loss
Dr Abelson pointed out that there are currently many safe and effective medications to prevent fractures caused by osteoporosis, but it is also important that patients work to prevent bone loss and fractures by addressing risk factors, which can be controlled.
According to Dr. Abelson, diet and lifestyle are two of the most important risk factors that individuals can control to prevent osteoporosis. This means making sure you are on a diet rich in calcium on a permanent and ongoing basis. Individuals should take 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day to help prevent bone loss. Regular physical activity can also play an important role in protecting and strengthening bones, especially exercises and activities that work muscles against gravity, such as walking, jogging, aerobic exercise, and weight lifting. Individuals should also avoid smoking and stop drinking alcohol.
Dr. Abelson added: “In addition, it is very important to detect and diagnose problems early, as in some cases fractures can cause chronic suffering throughout life. A hip fracture is more likely to lead to death in the year. and a hip fracture is more likely to lead to death the following year. The spine can also lead to death, which is why we should be more proactive in diagnosing problems early. “
Dr Abelson concluded: “For women, bone density screening should begin after menopause in their mid to late 40s, while men should begin screening in their mid 60s. It is also very helpful. have a bone density assessment If the adult suffers any broken bones.
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