Decreased bone density - Restorative Health Center

What is Decreased Bone Density?

Decreased bone density, also known as osteopenia or osteoporosis, is a condition where the bones become more porous and brittle. This happens when old bone is removed faster than new bone can be formed.

There are a few key things to understand about decreased bone density:

• Causes - Aging, lack of exercise, low calcium and vitamin D intake, smoking, alcohol abuse, and certain medications like steroids can all contribute to decreased bone density. Women are at higher risk due to menopause and dropping estrogen levels.
• Symptoms - Often there are no obvious symptoms until a fracture occurs. Some indications can be stooped posture, back pain, loss of height over time.
• Diagnosis - A bone density scan called a DEXA scan is used to measure bone mineral density. This painless x-ray scan can detect osteopenia or osteoporosis before fractures happen.
• Complications - People with decreased bone density are at greater risk for fractures of the hip, spine, wrist and other bones. These fractures can cause severe pain, disability, and loss of independence.
• Treatment - Treatment focuses on reducing fracture risk. Exercise, especially weight-bearing activities, is very important. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D daily through diet and supplements helps strengthen bones. Medications like bisphosphonates can increase bone density. In serious cases, surgeries like vertebroplasty can support weakened bones.

The good news is osteoporosis is preventable and treatable! Here are some tips to maintain healthy bones:

Tip	Description
Exercise	Get regular weight-bearing exercise like walking, jogging, dancing or weight lifting. Activities that involve impact and working against gravity build stronger bones.
Diet	Eat a diet rich in calcium. Dairy products, leafy greens, fortified cereals and foods, sardines, and supplements are great sources.
Vitamin D	Get 600-800 IU of vitamin D daily from sunlight, fortified foods and supplements. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.
Lifestyle	Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to support bone health.
Monitoring	Have regular DEXA scans starting at age 65 to monitor bone density. Early detection allows early treatment.
Medication	Consider bone-building medication if osteoporosis is diagnosed. Discuss options with your doctor.
Fall Prevention	Practice fall prevention at home by removing trip hazards, installing grab bars in bathrooms, improving lighting, etc. This protects fragile bones.

If you have concerns about decreased bone density, I highly recommend contacting the bone health experts at Restorative Health Center. Their team specializes in osteoporosis prevention and treatment. They can assess your risk, recommend supplements and lifestyle changes, prescribe bone-strengthening medications if needed, and monitor your bone density over time.

Service	Description
Risk Assessment	The clinic can assess your individual risk for decreased bone density based on factors like age, gender, family history, and lifestyle.
Supplement Recommendations	They can recommend the right doses of calcium, vitamin D, and other bone-supporting nutrients based on your needs.
Lifestyle Advice	The team can provide personalized advice on exercise, diet, and other lifestyle factors to optimize bone health.
Medication Management	If osteoporosis medications are needed, the clinic can prescribe and monitor these treatments.
Bone Density Monitoring	Regular DEXA scans at the clinic can track your bone density over time and catch any changes early.

Don't wait for a fracture - take control of your bone health now by scheduling a consultation with Restorative Health Center! Your bones will thank you.