Osteoporosis, Osteopenia, And Bone Mineral Dens

Lower-than-normal bone mineral density (BMD) is not always caused by osteoporosis

. Osteopenia can also be a reason. Currently, osteoporosis is being talked about due to the rise of Fosamax-related issues. This is the reason why it is important to know the difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is said to have osteopenia as a sign. However, an osteopenia diagnosis does not always result to it. Normally, osteopenia is caused by old age. Bones become thinner when one grows older. Its development may also be traced on menopausal phase, eating disorders/metabolism problems, chemotherapy/steroid medicines, and radiation exposure. One of the sad facts of this condition is that it doesnt display symptoms. Changes and pains are not present but there is a higher risk of bones breaking.

Osteoporosis is considered to be a very common type of bone disease. It is characterized by thin bones and bone density loss. This happens when the body can no longer make new bones and too old bones are reabsorbed by the body. There are still other factors for this disease to occur, such as:

Estrogen drop among women and testosterone drop among men

Chronic rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, eating disorder

Taking corticosteroid medications every day for more than 3 months and intake of some antiseizure drug

Hyperparathyroidism

Vitamin D deficiency

Unless osteoporosis is on its final stage, it does not display symptoms just like osteopenia. These symptoms include:

Bone pain or tenderness

Fractures with little or no trauma

Loss of height (as much as 6 inches) over time

Low back pain due to fractures of the spinal bones

Neck pain due to fractures of the spinal bones

Stooped posture or kyphosis, also called a "dowager's hump"

The vital core for osteopenia and osteoporosis is said to be bone mineral density. This actually refers to the amount of mineral matter per square centimeter of the bones and can be determined through a bone mineral density test. A result of -1.0 bone mineral density test or higher is expected from individuals with normal bone density. A result of between -1.0 and -2.5 is expected among people with osteopenia. On the other hand, -2.5 bone density test result happens on people with osteoporosis.

When osteopenia and osteoporosis runs in the blood, it is very important for one to check on his/her BMD. This can be a way of avoiding the said conditions and even the incidence of a Fosamax lawsuit.

by: Ronald Redman

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