Decreased bone density - Rebalance Clinic

What is decreased bone density?

Decreased bone density, also known as osteopenia or osteoporosis, is a medical condition characterized by porous and brittle bones that are more susceptible to fractures. This happens when old bone tissue is removed from the skeleton faster than new bone tissue is produced.

Some key facts about decreased bone density:

• It typically develops gradually over years without any symptoms, until a fracture occurs
• It is very common, affecting over 200 million people worldwide
• Main risk factors include aging, family history, smoking, low calcium/vitamin D intake, and lack of exercise
• Women are at higher risk due to menopause and estrogen deficiency
• Fractures most often occur in the hip, spine, and wrist
• It can be diagnosed through a bone mineral density (BMD) test
• Treatments focus on preventing further bone loss to stabilize bone density

To maintain healthy bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, it's essential to get enough calcium and vitamin D, do regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises, avoid smoking, and eat a balanced diet.

Some examples of weight-bearing exercises that help build strong bones include:

• Walking
• Jogging
• Tennis
• Stair climbing

And examples of good muscle-strengthening exercises include:

• Lifting weights
• Resistance bands
• Bodyweight exercises like pushups and squats

For those already diagnosed, medications like bisphosphonates can treat osteoporosis by slowing down bone loss. But a healthy lifestyle remains crucial to manage decreased bone density.

If you have any concerns about decreased bone density or osteoporosis, consult with a healthcare professional at Rebalance Clinic for proper diagnosis and treatment.