Do you look shorter in height due to your spinal cord being hunched over? Has the condition left you with lower back pain that is difficult to cope with and doesn't go away with over-the-counter pain medication? The symptoms that you have can be related to a bone condition that is called osteoporosis, which requires medical attention from a professional. Treatment for the condition can vary between each person, as it depends on the extent of damage that has been done to bones and where they are located. Take a look at the content in this article to learn a few of the general things that will help you understand osteoporosis.
Causes & Symptoms
There are certain risk factors that makes it more likely for osteoporosis to develop. For instance, if you are a woman or have a history of the condition in your family, your risk for developing it is high. Habits like smoking and consuming alcohol can also put you at a higher risk for developing osteoporosis. When it comes to the symptoms, it is possible to live with the condition for a long time before any symptoms are experienced. The main symptom that is associated with osteoporosis is pain, which is usually the result of fractured bones.
Getting Properly Diagnosed
A dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) test is the most common test that is used for diagnosing osteoporosis. The reason why is because the test allows a specialist to see the level of density that bones have. Low density is a big sign that osteoporosis is present and should be treated as soon as possible. A regular x-ray cannot be used alone for making a firm diagnosis, as bone density can't be seen via the test. Any other tests that are performed will be up to the specialist.
Treatment You Might Need
Treatment of osteoporosis will involve doing everything possible to prevent bone fractures. A specialist can prescribe medication that is designed to strengthen bones so you can avoid fracturing them. He or she might also ask you to stop any bad habits that are possibly causing your bones to become weak, such as smoking. When it comes to your back problem, an orthopedic surgeon can use various techniques to repair the spinal bones. The type of surgical procedure that is performed will depend on your specific condition, as well as what the surgeon believes will best resolve the problem.
Contact a clinic, like Orthopaedic Associates Of Rochester, for more help.
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