Back pain may become severe as nerve roots are compressed. Osteoporosis has serious consequences, as it is a major cause of falling, and thus the injuries associated with falls. Complications associated with a hip fracture can predispose the person to considerable disability. Fortunately, osteoporosis is detectable before symptoms occur. Bone-density tests can detect low bone density before a fracture, confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis after a fracture, predict chances of fracturing in the future, determine the rate of bone loss and monitor the effects of treatment.
Osteoporosis is both preventable and treatable.
Recent information indicates that calcium and vitamin D intake, exercise and sex hormones play important roles in normal skeletal aging. Among healthy older Americans, the average dietary intake of calcium is about 700 to 800 milligrams per day. Supplementation with 500 milligrams of calcium per day is recommended, except for those with a history of kidney stones or hypercalciuria. Products that promote calcium loss such as carbonated and alcoholic drinks, caffeine, sugar, protein and sodium should be limited. Menopausal and postmenopausal women should ask their physicians about estrogen replacement.