$Unique_ID{BRK02463} $Pretitle{} $Title{What Can Be Done for Osteoporosis?} $Subject{osteoporosis exercise medications treatment bone spinal column vertebrae porous fracture calcitonin hormone injection calcium supplements posture fractures musculoskeletal system bones spine medication treatments hormones injections } $Volume{M-17,R-17} $Log{ Osteoporosis can Cause Lower Back Pain*0005005.scf Contributing Factors to Osteoporosis*0005701.scf Osteoporosis*0005702.scf} Copyright (c) 1992,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. What Can Be Done for Osteoporosis? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: I know you have touched on the subject of osteoporosis several times, but mostly on its prevention. Many older citizens now in their 70's and 80's did not have access to preventive medicine. Could you give us more information on its onset, how it effects the body, types of exercise and medications that may help alleviate or lessen the pain. Your help is most appreciated. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: I probably haven't dealt with treatment of osteoporosis very often, because there is so little available to help, once the condition has developed. That is why prevention is so important. As you probably already know, osteoporosis is a condition of the bone, where the mass of the bone becomes less and less. The word "osteoporosis" means "porous bone" and that is an apt description of the condition. Although it affects all bones to some degree, the bones forming the spinal column which are particularly affected. As these bones (vertebrae) become more and more porous, they become weaker and less able to bear the weight of the body. This weakening process is silent, and so there are no symptoms. It is only when a fracture occurs that patients may become aware of the extent of their condition. Though there are several medications currently being investigated to treat the problem, only calcitonin, a type of hormone which is given by injection, is actually available today. Other medications, such as estrogen, which replaces quantities no longer made by the glands of a woman after menopause, can be used to slow further breakdown of the bone. Since calcium is a primary component of bone, calcium supplements are usually prescribed. Exercise programs may be used at this time to help strengthen muscles and correct posture, but they are not very effective in promoting new bone growth. Of course, pain is an ever present symptom for many osteoporosis sufferers. All of the usual pain medications, aspirin, acetaminophen and others, may be used either singly or in combination. Physical therapy is very helpful, and can often enable you to control the pain while cutting back on the use of medication. It is also important to make your home as safe as possible, to prevent the possibility of falls that can cause severe fractures in the already weakened bone. By using all these techniques to help, you can still cope with osteoporosis and continue to live an active and fulfilling life. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.