Osteoporosis Treatment

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Osteoporosis has been termed as the silent disease.  This effect is attributed to loss of bone which takes place without any symptoms.  Many people with osteoporosis only notice their condition, after their bones have weakened to a state where a fall, bump or sudden strain causes a fracture.

The most likely areas that get affected by such fractures are the hip joint.  Alternatively, the vertebrae could also collapse.  Some loss of height, spinal deformities like severely stooped posture, (kyphosis) or severe back pain are the likely indicators of a collapsed vertebrae.

A bone mineral test is the best way to assess your bone density.  A (BMD) test determines your bone health, indicates the risks of fracture and identifies a suitable  osteoporosis treatment.  Dual energy X–ray absorptiometry (DXA) test is the most recognized test. It is similar to having an X-ray, though its radiation exposure is lesser.  DXA test is a painless procedure used to measure bone density around your hips and spine . 

The Best Osteoporosis Treatment

The best osteoporosis treatment involves prevention. Osteoporosis risks are increased by some factors that are within your capacity to change.  Some factors that you cannot change include body size, ethnicity, family history, age and gender.

Petite sized, thin boned women that are Asian or Caucasian have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.  Older individuals especially women, also have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Heredity is another possible risk factor.

Risk factors within your power include sex hormones, alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, calcium & vitamin D intake, medication use and lifestyle.  Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that increases your risk.  Inactive lifestyles or too much bed rest weaken your bones.

Smoking is bad for your bones.  A low calcium & vitamin D diet exposes you to bone loss. Long term use of certain medications e.g  glucocorticoids and some anti-convulsants could cause bone loss and fractures.

One effective medicine used in the  osteoporosis treatment  of postmenopausal women is called Aclasta.  This medicine increases bone mass and maintains bone strength. It also reduces the risk of bone fractures.

Aclasta in Osteoporosis Treatment

Aclasta is administered through infusion into a vein.  The procedure takes about 15 minutes and is carried out by a doctor or nurse.  It is recommended that you drink two glasses of water a few hours prior to receiving this  osteoporosis treatment.

Aclasta is administered once in a year.  A daily calcium intake of 1200mg and between 400iu and 800iu of vitamin D is recommended for women with osteoporosis.  After taking this osteoporosis medicine, a daily intake of 1500mg of calcium and 800iu of vitamin D is recommended.

It is important to avoid low blood calcium levels, especially 2 weeks after receiving Aclasta.  Some side effects of this  osteoporosis treatment include, severe joint, muscle and bone pain. After medication, feverish pain or flu like illness and headache can be experienced.

Other rare side effects include osteonecrosis of the jaw. This is accompanied by such problems as infection and delayed healing following tooth extractions.  It is necessary to get monitored by a nurse following this  osteoporosis treatment procedure.

In preparation for this osteoporosis  procedure, some factors to do with your health require your doctors attention.  Some of these include a low calcium history, kidney problems and the possibility of pregnancy or breast feeding.  Problems with daily intake of  calcium and vitamin D supplements or a malabsorption syndrome should be reported to your doctor.

Any patients that had neck surgery like parathyroid or thyroid surgery or patients taking medicine like Zometa need to alert their doctor. Dental surgery procedures like a tooth extraction also need your doctors attention.  Some pre or post osteoporosis treatment checkups include monitoring vitamin D and calcium levels.

A (BMD) test and Renal function test is required.  A day before the Aclasta procedure, 2 tablets of Paracetamol should be taken thrice a day. This should be continued one week after the osteoporosis treatment.  Checkups should include Rheumatology and calcium levels one week after the procedure.

Comprehensive Osteoporosis Treatment

A comprehensive osteoporosis treatment program is centered upon exercise and proper nutrition Safety procedures to prevent falling are necessary because falls can easily lead to fractures. Medicines that manage bone loss while increasing bone density are required to minimize the risk of fracture.

Nutrition is a very important factor in  Osteoporosis treatment. Food contains minerals, vitamins and other important nutrients. A variety of nutrients should be balanced for optimum health benefits.  The proper functioning of heart muscles and nerves and inner bone strength require calcium and vitamin D.

Another important factor in  osteoporosis treatment and prevention is exercise.  Muscle strength, balance and coordination are benefits of exercise that offer bone strengthening options. Although beneficial to osteoporosis patients, exercise should be gradual, avoiding excessive or sudden stain. For the bones, supportive exercises that strengthen the back are specifically recommended.

There are several  osteoporosis treatment  options available. Bisphonates such as estrogen antagonists (SERMS) or selective estrogen receptor modulators.  Hormone therapy or estrogen therapy and parathyroid hormone. (RANKL) inhibitor or RANK ligand has been recently approved.

A similar drug treatment that’s been recently approved by the FDA as osteoporosis medicine is called ibandronate sodium (Boniva AR) used as Postmenopausal osteoporosis medication.  This is the first intravenous medication classified as bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis treatment.  It is administered once in a month as  an oral dose in 5mg once every three months by medical professionals.

Infusion of this intravenous drug takes a minute.  The intravenous doses are unlikely to cause heartburn or upset the stomach.  A serum creative lab test is a pre-medication requirement for each dose.  Patients with severe renal impairment should not undergo this  osteoporosis treatment.