Abstract

Understanding Osteoporosis: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Author(s): Kiyoshi Sekiya

Osteoporosis, a prevalent skeletal disorder, poses significant challenges to bone health globally, particularly affecting aging populations and postmenopausal women. This article provides a comprehensive overview of osteoporosis, exploring its causes, symptoms, risk factors, prevention strategies, and available treatments. The intricate balance of bone remodeling, influenced by hormonal changes, aging, genetics, nutritional deficiencies, and lifestyle factors, plays a pivotal role in the development of osteoporosis. While the condition often progresses silently, leading to fragility fractures, understanding its symptoms, such as back pain, height loss, and fractures, is crucial for early detection. Numerous risk factors, including age, gender, family history, race, and body size, contribute to an individual's susceptibility. Prevention strategies encompass proper nutrition, physical activity, avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol, and regular health checkups. In the event of a diagnosis, treatments range from medications, lifestyle modifications, and physical therapy to surgical interventions, aiming to slow bone loss, enhance bone density, and mitigate fractures. This abstract emphasizes the multifaceted nature of osteoporosis and underscores the importance of proactive measures, including regular screenings and a holistic approach to bone health, to mitigate its impact and promote overall well-being.