Osteoporosis, which reduces bone mineral density and makes bones more prone to fractures, is a common condition, especially in postmenopausal women and the elderly.
This article was professionally reviewed by Dr. Le Thi Thuy Hang, Specialist Level 1, University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3.
Symptoms of osteoporosis
- Osteoporosis develops silently with non-specific symptoms.
- Symptoms only appear when complications have already occurred:
* Bone pain, acute and chronic back pain.
* Kyphosis, scoliosis, and reduced height due to fractured vertebral bodies.
* Chest pain, shortness of breath, slow digestion... due to effects on the rib cage and vertebral bodies.
* Fractures: commonly occur at the distal radius, femoral neck, and thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.
* It appears after very minor trauma, or even without any apparent trauma.
Reason
- Primary osteoporosis: Due to age (over 50 years old), menopause.
- Secondary osteoporosis:
* Age: 50 years and older.
* Personal history: Fractured after a minor trauma; family history of fractures due to osteoporosis.
* Physical condition: Short and thin, rapid weight loss.
* Lifestyle: Sedentary, lack of exercise, heavy smoking, heavy drinking.
* A diet lacking in essential nutrients; deficient in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, etc.
* Diseases causing osteoporosis: Conditions that reduce sex hormones such as menopause, oophorectomy, prolonged amenorrhea, infertility; hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, spinal deformities, Cushing's syndrome, gastrointestinal diseases causing malabsorption, gastrectomy, anorexia, hepatobiliary diseases...
* Bone metastases; other types of cancer (multiple myeloma, leukemia...).
* Use of certain medications such as corticosteroids, heparin, phenytoin, overdose of thyroid hormone, radiation therapy in cancer treatment...
Diagnose
Doctors may order several diagnostic tests to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, such as:
- X-ray of the spine or femur.
- Bone mass measurement assesses the degree of osteoporosis.
- CT scan or MRI to assess bone mass.
- Quantify markers of bone resorption and bone formation.
Commonly Confused Diseases
Osteoporosis can be mistaken for the following conditions:
- Osteogenesis imperfecta or brittle bone disease.
- Secondary osteoporosis such as bone metastases from cancer, hematopoietic malignancies (multiple myeloma, leukemia...).
- Osteomalacia can be caused by vitamin D deficiency, phosphorus metabolism disorders, tumors, genetic defects, etc.
Treatment
- Modern medicine: Often uses anti-bone resorption drugs, painkillers, and muscle relaxants suitable for acute pain, but long-term use causes many side effects.
- Traditional medicine:
* Traditional Chinese medicine formulas such as Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang , Liu Wei Tang , and You Gui Wan help treat osteoporosis caused by deficiency syndrome with few side effects.
* Acupuncture and other methods such as thread embedding, ear acupuncture, and hydroacupuncture, combined with herbal medicine, enhance the effectiveness of treatment. Heat therapy such as moxibustion, infrared light therapy, or herbal compresses helps to warm the painful area.
* Massage and acupressure combined with spinal exercises and therapeutic movements can provide good support for the condition.
* Exercise: Start with light physical activity and gradually increase the intensity (for older adults just starting to exercise). This could include walking (from a normal walk to brisk walking and then running), swimming, badminton, dancing, or practicing Tai Chi.
Prevent
- Use a lumbar support and adjust your sitting or standing posture to the correct position.
- Eat a balanced diet.
* Foods that provide calcium include milk, yogurt, cheese, kale, dark leafy greens, tofu, herring, salmon, etc.
* Foods that supplement vitamin D include cod liver oil, vitamin-fortified milk, egg yolks, tuna, salmon, canned sardines, shrimp, calf liver, etc.
- Get plenty of sun exposure and take a vitamin D supplement (400 IU) daily.
- Exercise regularly.
- Quit smoking or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol or coffee.
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