Osteoporosis Detection
Osteoporosis (brittle bone disease) occurs in about one in three people over the age of fifty in the UK, and has been nick named “the silent killer”.
One in two women and one in five men suffer a fracture (broken bone). Osteoporosis is more common in women than men, and more common in women who have been through the menopause.
Osteoporosis predominately affects older Caucasians (2.5 times higher risk than black & ethnic minorities).
Importance of Early detection
Once Osteoporosis has been detected, there are several treatments to help sufferers deter the effect of the disease. The earlier it is caught/detected the better.
At This Age Health Centre we are using one of the most advanced bone scanners for hips and lumber spine (where most devastating fractures occur).
This method is widely considered more accurate that wrist or heel measurements.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes your bone to weaken, hence making them easier to break even after simple falls of accidents.
For more information take a look at the National Osteoporosis Society website
What are the symptoms?
Osteoporosis in general or in majority of cases is “silent disease”, as most people are unaware that their bones are thinning until they break one!
But in some advanced cases there might be bone pain.
Who gets osteoporosis?
Some people are more likely to develop the disease than others. The strongest known factors are listed below:
- You are more likely to get osteoporosis if are aged over 60 years. The risk continues to rise as you get older.
- Women after early menopause are at a higher risk (lower Oestrogen level) and women with smaller bones & less total body mass.
- Certain chronic conditions & use of certain medication like Prednisolone=Steroids=cortisone. (Applies for men & women).
- Family history may put you on a higher risk.
And if you are in doubt please ask for advice.
