What is the difference between osteoporosis and osteopenia?
Now days we commonly come across the words osteoporosis and osteopenia. Let me explain you what those words means.
Osteoporosis and osteopenia are both conditions that affect the strength and health of your bones. The difference between the two lies in the level of bone damage.
Osteoporosis and osteopenia are terms we both use to refer to bones which has weaken over time. Bone strength is amount of calcium in bones which is measured in bone mineral density (BMD) score.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a more severe case of bone loss that weakens the bones and makes them more likely to fracture.
Bones become more porous.
The light, fragile bones that develop with osteoporosis can place you at a higher risk for fractures and breaks, even when you are doing simple daily activities.
Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra
Loss of height over time
A stooped posture
T score -2.5 or lower.
What is osteopenia?
Osteopenia is a condition where people's bone density is lower than is usual for their age, but not yet causing real problem. It’s the initial stage of osteoporosis.
Its starts after the age of 35.
Usually no symptoms.
Risk of fracture increases.
T score -1 to -2.5
Risk factors for osteoporosis and osteopenia-
Everyone’s bones lose some mass and density over time. After 35, bone strength begins to decline, but there are certain risk factors that can accelerate this process.
• women
• over the age of 35
• a history of poor nutrition
• a sedentary lifestyle
• smoking
• alcohol consumption
• menopause
• hormonal changes
• thyroid disease
• certain medications like steroids
Treatment for osteoporosis and osteopenia
A key is to slow the bone loss.
Few points to reduce your risks of bone density loss include:
• stop smoking
• reduce your alcohol consumption
• eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals
• vitamin and mineral supplements
• stay active, especially with weight-bearing exercises.
Role of physiotherapy in osteoporosis and osteopenia –
Physiotherapy can help you strengthen your bones, as well as your muscles. It can prevent bone thinning, reduce falls and help you manage any pain. Bone is a living tissue that can be improved through some types of exercise.
Treatment includes –
1. weight bearing exercises
2. isometric exercises.
3. Strengthening exercises.
4. Balance training.
5. To take care for pain-
-heat or cold therapy
-Interferential therapy
-TENS.
6. postural corrections.
Bone loss is a natural part of aging. If you follow all above strategies your bone health will be healthy and at a lower risk for osteoporosis and osteopenia.
