Osteoporosis

What Is Osteoporosis?

Throughout a person’s life, the body will reabsorb old bone cells and create new bone cells with the help of minerals such as calcium and phosphate. As a person ages, however, the body begins to break down old bone faster than new bone is created. This can increase the likelihood of fracturing a bone, especially as a result of a fall.

Osteoporosis is one of the most common types of bone disease. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 54 million people in the U.S. have osteoporosis. Rates of osteoporosis are much higher among female patients than they are among male patients.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis can be difficult to diagnose because patients rarely experience any symptoms in the early stages of bone loss. As osteoporosis progresses, symptoms may include:

• Changes in posture, such as stooping or bending forward
• Lower back pain
• Shortness of breath caused by compressed spinal discs
• Bone fractures, especially in the hip bones or vertebra
• Loss of height over time

Because symptoms often are slow to develop, most physicians recommend routine bone screenings for female patients over the age of 65.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a common condition, and several risk factors make patients more susceptible to developing the disease. Some, like age and sex, cannot be controlled, while others, like dietary habits, can be modified. Risk factors for osteoporosis include:

• Family history: People whose parents or siblings had or have osteoporosis are at greater risk of developing the disease themselves.
• Sex:Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
• Age: The risk of osteoporosis increases with age, especially among female patients, whose estrogen levels decrease during menopause. Low estrogen levels can accelerate bone loss.
• Race: Rates of osteoporosis are higher among patients who are white or of Asian descent than among people of other racial or ethnic backgrounds.
• Low calcium intake: People who don’t obtain enough calcium throughout their life have lower bone density and are more susceptible to fractures.
• Medical history: Patients with a history of medical conditions including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney or liver disease, and rheumatoid arthritis are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Additionally, patients with a history of eating disorders are more likely than other people to have weaker bones.
• Gastrointestinal surgery: Patients who have had bariatric or other gastrointestinal (GI) procedures may have an increased risk of osteoporosis, because these surgeries can limit the surface area in the GI tract that can absorb nutrients.
• Steroid use: Long-term use of corticosteroid medications can interfere with bone cell growth.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Patients are more likely to develop osteoporosis if they have do not exercise regularly.
• Alcohol and tobacco use: Excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use may increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis can be diagnosed with a bone mineral density (BMD) scan, a type of X-ray which uses a minimal amount of radiation to check for bone loss. This test also is known as a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA) scan. The result of this scan, measured as a numeric value called a T score, will indicate if a patient has normal bone density, osteoporosis, or low bone mass, also known as osteopenia.

The test can help predict a patient’s risk of future fractures and often is used to examine the hip, wrist, and spinal bones. In general, women over the age of 65 and men over the age of 70 should have periodic BMD scans.

In addition to performing a BMD scan and reviewing a patient’s medical history, a doctor may confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis with a physical exam. Changes in posture, balance, gait, or muscle strength, along with height loss, can indicate osteoporosis.

Treatment for osteoporosis typically includes a combination of medication, supplements, and lifestyle changes:

• Nutrition: Eating a healthy diet can help slow the progression of osteoporosis. Patients should strive to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as foods that are rich in calcium, protein, and Vitamin D. A daily multivitamin and calcium supplements may be recommended.
• Lifestyle changes: Patients should drink alcohol in moderation, avoid secondhand smoke, and ask their doctor for help quitting if they are a smoker. Individuals with osteoporosis also should take steps to prevent falls, such as eliminating trip hazards in the home, installing railings and grab bars in bathrooms and stairways, and wearing sensible shoes with non-slip soles.
• Exercise: Regular exercise helps improve muscle mass, coordination, and balance. This helps lower a patient’s risk of breaking a bone. However, patients with osteoporosis need to avoid high-impact exercise. Some patients with osteoporosis benefit from working with a physical therapist or rehabilitation specialist to develop a safe and effective exercise plan.

Several medications can help treat osteoporosis. These include:

• Hormonal treatments that can improve bone density and reduce the likelihood of fractures
• Drugs that slow the process of reabsorbing bone tissue
• Drugs that stimulate bone growth

Because these medications can cause side effects, patients should talk with their healthcare provider about the best course of treatment for them.

Infusion Therapy for Osteoporosis

While some patients take injections or oral medications for osteoporosis, others benefit from therapies that are infused intravenously. Bones contain cells called osteoclasts, which break down old bone cells. IV drugs for osteoporosis can slow osteoclast formation and activity, reducing the rate of bone loss and helping new bone cells grow.

Regional Cancer Care Associates offers infusion services for patients with osteoporosis. Many patients prefer to receive their infusion treatments at a community-based care center such as Regional Cancer Care Associates’ conveniently located offices as opposed to going to a hospital for their treatment. Increasingly, insurers are recommending – or requiring – this treatment setting because of its cost-effectiveness.

At Regional Cancer Care Associates, patients will find a friendly, welcoming environment where they can receive their infusions in a semi-private setting. Patients are monitored throughout their appointments, and Regional Cancer Care Associates’ medical staff is always on hand to answer any questions that patients may have. Before beginning treatment, Regional Cancer Care Associates nurses will provide extensive patient education so that patients understand their treatment schedule, the medications they will receive, potential side effects, and the cost of treatment.

Get Treatment for Osteoporosis in NJ, CT, & MD

In addition to treating osteoporosis, Regional Cancer Care Associates provides infusion treatment for patients with cancer and a range of other chronic conditions, including:

• Asthma
• Crohn’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Plaque psoriasis
• Ulcerative colitis

Regional Cancer Care Associates has 25 community care locations throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area. For more information, contact us today.