The precise cause of osteoporosis is unknown, according to the Cleveland Clinic; however, the manner in which the disease develops and progresses is understood.
The Cleveland Clinic explains that bones are growing, living tissue. The bone is encased by an outer shell of dense or cortical bone. The inside of the bone is sponge-like with holes. When the bone is compromised by osteoporosis, the holes in the sponge of the bone get bigger and multiply. This weakens the structure of the bone.
Kyphosis
Possibly the worst outcome of advanced osteoporosis is a dowager's hump (kyphosis). A dowager's hump can result from vertebral-compression fractures. If a woman or man has porous, brittle and fragile bones, a fracture can be caused by something as simple as stooping over. If the vertebrae persist on breaking, this will eventually transform the vertebrae into a curved shape and the individual ends up being stooped over, with a pronounced hump on her back. The front of the vertebrae can collapse due to a wedge fracture, although the vertebrae in the back can remain intact, which causes the vertebrae to tilt forward. When the vertebrae are in this tipped-forward position this can result in more wedge fractures because there is tremendous stress put on the vertebrae. Eventually, the spine is horribly misaligned, according to Osteopenia3.com.
Other Types of Fractures
In addition to the wedge fracture, which occurs when the front of the vertebra collapses, two other fractures can occur when a person has advanced osteoporosis, including a bioncave fracture. This type of fracture results when the midsection of the vertebra collapses. The third type of fracture is a crush fracture. When this happens, the entire vertebra collapses.
Permanent Disability
Fractures can occur in any part of a person's body if she is afflicted with osteoporosis. These breaks often occur in the hip area, the spine and the wrists. The National Osteoporosis Foundation in Washington, D.C., notes that an advanced case of osteoporosis can limit a person's mobility. In fact, permanent disability can occur. Osteoporosis can cause a person to have bad back pain and lose inches in height.
The Silent Disease
These spinal fractures, although sometimes occurring silently and unknown to the individual, can cause pain. If you have osteoporosis and feel pain that is radiating to the front and in the direction of your abdomen, this may be an indication that you have incurred a fracture. Sometimes the pain gets worse when you sneeze or cough. You may find relief from lying down. Another symptom of a vertebral fracture is a loss of appetite or the sensation of feeling full although you haven't eaten.
Menopause and Lack of Estrogen
When a woman enters menopause, her estrogen levels become minimal. Estrogen serves to protect the strength and health of our bones when we are younger. When we no longer have that protection from estrogen, osteoporosis can develop. The incidence of bone-density loss soars during menopause. Some women opt for hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) to prevent osteoporosis; however, HRT has associated risks, such as an increased risk of breast cancer and heart disease so you have to take into consideration both the benefits and the negative aspects of HRT. To help safeguard your bones, the Mayo Clinic suggests that 1,200-to-1,500 mg of calcium, as well as 800 IU of vitamin D, be taken daily.
Tags: vertebra collapses, advanced osteoporosis, Cleveland Clinic, dowager hump, type fracture, wedge fracture