Determining if You Have Osteoporosis Without Visiting an X Ray Tech

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Osteoporosis is a concern for nearly every woman and affects more women than heart disease and breast cancer combined. While the disease may not be as life threatening as a heart attack or cancer, it can lead to a life of discomfort and lead to multiple fractures later in life.

While a doctor’s actual diagnosis is needed to determine whether or not you have osteoporosis, you don’t need to be an X Ray Tech to understand the symptoms of the condition. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, nearly 10 million people suffer from osteoporosis and 80 percent of those suffering from the disease are women. In fact, nearly 1 in every 2 women will be affected by osteoporosis.

To make sure that you don’t become another statistic, inform yourself about osteoporosis and what you can do to prevent the disease from affecting your life.

What is Osteoporosis Exactly?

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bone density greatly deteriorates. Because of the decrease in bone density, those suffering from the disease may experience an increased likeliness of fractures. Many of those with osteoporosis may fracture bones in their body from actions as simply as sneezing or bumping in to the family room couch.

What are the Symptoms of Osteoporosis?

If you have osteoporosis, you will not be able to feel your bones becoming weaker. However, you may experience a few symptoms that may warn you that you need to have a bone density screening:

-Loss of height

-Stooped or hunched over posture

-Back pain, chronic and severe

What are the Risk Factors of Osteoporosis?

Unfortunately, there are a few risk factors that can greatly increase the likelihood of having osteoporosis. One of them is being female, which is unavoidable, however there are a few risk factors that you can control. Certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of osteoporosis include:

-Old age

-Being small and thin

-Low sex hormones

-Diet low in Vitamin D and calcium

-Inactivity

-Smoking

-High alcohol intake

Can You Prevent Osteoporosis?

Prevention is one of the best methods when trying to avoid osteoporosis. While it is a condition that doesn’t easily exhibit symptoms, there are definitely steps you can take to reduce its likelihood including:

-Maintaining a great diet that is rich in milk, fish, soy, and leafy greens. You should also limit the amount of protein and caffeine.

-Exercise regularly with a nice blend of weight and cardio training

-Choose a good multi-vitamin and take it daily

-Don’t smoke and limit your alcohol consumption

What Exercises are Good for Preventing Osteoporosis?

Exercise is a key step in preventing osteoporosis as it not only increases muscle and keeps them strong, but it also helps stop bones loss and can actually help you build up bone density. To be affective, you need to be exercising for at least 30 minutes 3 times a week. Great exercises include:

-walking

-running

-stair climbing

-tennis

-volleyball

-weight training

Exercises need to be gravity intensive in order to aid in the creation of new bone so activities such as swimming won’t do. Women are often afraid of weight training because they are afraid that it will result in them looking to bulky. However, this is irrational. Women don’t have the hormone levels required to look bulky, and weight training is critical not only for preventing osteoporosis, but for living a full and healthy life in old age.

In addition to taking preventative measures, women should be sure to have a bone density screening so that any signs of osteoporosis can be made aware immediately and treatment can begin. While women over the age of 65 should have a bone density screening regularly, younger post-menopausal should consider having a screening done as well. The sooner osteoporosis is caught and treatment begins the more likely you will be able to enjoy your life well into your older years.

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