Debunking Myths Around Osteoporosis

November 18, 2016

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Myth #1 – Osteoporosis only affects women

Osteoporosis is a serious bone disease that affects both women and men. According to the National Institutes of Health, over 40 million men and women in the United States either have Osteoporosis OR are in danger of getting it because they already have low bone density.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that:

  • Nearly 2 million males in the US have Osteoporosis
  • Another 12 million are at risk of developing the disease if medical and lifestyle interventions are not learned.

Myth #2 – Osteoporosis only affects the elderly

Osteoporosis is mostly common in people over the age of 65. However, any post-menopausal woman is at risk, and menopause can begin in a woman’s late 40s.

For Men, age is also the leading cause of Osteoporosis, but there are many other factors that can cause male Osteoporosis in men younger than 65. Some of these examples are:

  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Smoking
  • Certain Medications
  • Certain Health Conditions

Myth #3 – Osteoporosis is an inevitable part of aging.

Aging and Osteoporosis unequivocally do not go hand-in-hand. There are many things that you can do to be proactive throughout your life to prevent Osteoporosis from ever happening. Even once it’s detected, Osteoporosis is usually manageable (and potentially even reversed) with many of these same measures so that you never experience some of serious problems that it can create. While some of us are more at risk of developing Osteoporosis than others, all of us can take positive steps to help keep our bones healthy and strong. Keep in mind that Osteoporosis (and resulting fractures) is one of the most under-diagnosed conditions out there. You could potentially be walking around with it and not even be aware. It’s better to assume that you are at risk for Osteoporosis and proactively take steps to prevent it from ever occurring.

Preventing Osteoporosis

Here are some things that you can do to prevent Osteoporosis:

  • Make sure you have adequate calcium and vitamin D.
  • Stay active and do some kind of weight bearing exercise for 30 minutes a day. Try and avoid living a sedentary lifestyle.
  • Limit foods and activities believed to strip the bones or inhibit calcium absorption, such as smoking, alcohol, caffeine, and sodium.
  • Talk with your doctor about Osteoporosis Prevention so that he/she can check with you at every annual physical.

If you already have Osteoporosis and are dealing with a spinal fracture, contact us today and learn more about our Kyphoplasty procedure! Located at 1020 26th Street, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35205.