Back pain may be a sign of osteoporosis

“Osteoporosis, popularly known as osteoporosis, is an insidious disease. “It progresses without any signs for years and manifests itself with fractures,” said Prof. Head of the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation. Dr. Mahmut Nafiz Akman pointed out that the early symptom of the disease is bone pain, felt mostly in the back area.

Osteoporosis stands out as a serious public health problem. Approximately 9 million osteoporotic fractures occur in the world every year, meaning that 1 fracture occurs every 3 seconds.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Prof. underlines that osteoporosis sometimes follows an insidious course without any symptoms, even though the bone mass has decreased enough to develop a fracture. Dr. Mahmut Nafiz Akman, early diagnosis and preventive treatment of osteoporosis
He shared the following information about:

Prof. Dr. M. Nafiz Akman

IT CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT EARLY AGES

Osteoporosis, the most common bone disease in society, means an increase in the risk of bone fragility or fracture as a result of decrease in bone mass and deterioration in its internal structure. Although it is more common with advancing age, some diseases can also cause osteoporosis. It is an expected situation that muscle and bone mass decreases with advancing age. However, disruption of the balance between bone formation and destruction, acceleration of bone loss, and low peak bone mass in adulthood lead to the development of osteoporosis. Although it is common in post-menopausal women, it can also occur at earlier ages in older men and in people with certain risk factors.

Bone mineral density measurement is important

Women in the postmenopausal period, who constitute the greatest risk group, should have bone mineral density measured at regular intervals following menopause, and men over the age of 65 should have bone mineral density measured regularly.

This method is quite easy and painless and reveals the decrease in bone mass precisely in a few minutes.

WHO IS MOST AT RISK?

In general, advanced age, female gender, genetic predisposition, insufficient vitamin D and calcium intake, excessive alcohol, cigarette and caffeine consumption, clothing style with little exposure to sunlight, sedentary life, cortisone that weakens bones, etc. Risk factors include the use of medications such as menopause and early or surgical menopause. Osteoporosis may occur as a part of the disease, regardless of age, during the course of some diseases such as sex hormone deficiencies, some endocrinological disorders such as adrenal, thyroid and pituitary gland diseases, intestinal diseases causing malabsorption, rheumatic diseases, chronic kidney and liver diseases.

What problems does it cause?

Osteoporosis follows an insidious course, sometimes without any symptoms, even though the bone mass has decreased enough to cause a fracture. Therefore, people in the risk group and those with a family history of osteoporosis-related fractures need to be careful. The most common and early complaint is widespread bone pain, which is more evident in the back area. As the disease progresses, a shortening in height and an increase in the roundness of the back are noticeable. When a fracture occurs, sudden and severe pain occurs. While they are most commonly seen as collapse fractures in the back vertebrae, they are followed by wrist and hip bone fractures. Spinal fractures cause the body to bend forward and hunch, accompanied by severe pain. In the early stages, there may be severe pain even when breathing. In recent years, rapid relief can be achieved by injecting a type of cement into the collapsed vertebra in a small attempt to eliminate these complaints. If this is not necessary, it is treated with corset and painkillers. Hip bone fractures often require surgical treatment. Fractures in the wrist are treated either by casting or surgically.

Here are the ways to treat and prevent

If a person is detected to be at risk of fracture, a medication that suppresses bone destruction or supports its formation is started. As a rule, every woman in menopause and older men are recommended a calcium-rich diet, vitamin D, and an exercise program to maintain body posture and strengthen muscles. It is also necessary to take a brisk walk for 20-40 minutes every day. If there is a complaint of balance disorder and frequent falling, treatment and training are given accordingly. Drugs that may cause dizziness and imbalance are reviewed. At home, slippery floors that may cause falls and objects that may cause tripping should be removed, and attention should be paid to lighting.