Osteoporosis

Information & Symptoms

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become weak and may break from a fall. 

Osteoporosis means "porous bone." Healthy bone looks like a honeycomb. When Osteoporosis occurs, the holes and spaces in the honeycomb are much larger than in healthy bone. They become less dense, therefore, they weaken and are more likely to break.

Diseases, Conditions and Medical Procedures That May Cause Bone Loss

⦁    Autoimmune Disorders (RA, Lupus, MS)
⦁    Digestive and Gastrointestinal Disorders, including weight loss surgery
⦁    Breast or Prostate Cancer
⦁    Certain Hematologic/Blood Disorders
⦁    Neurological/Nervous System Disorders (Stroke, Parkinson's, MS, Spinal cord injuries
⦁    Mental Illnesses (such as depression and eating disorders)
⦁    Endocrine/Hormonal Disorders
⦁    Note: This list may not include all of the diseases and conditions that may cause bone loss. Talk to your doctor and ask if any of the conditions you have may be causing bone loss.

Fracture Prevention

What can you do to protect your bones?
⦁    Get enough calcium and vitamin D and eat a well balanced diet.
⦁    Engage in regular exercise.
⦁    Eat foods that are good for bone health, such as fruits and vegetables.
⦁    Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to 2-3 drinks per day.

How Do I Find Out If I Have Osteoporosis

Call 870-269-8300 to schedule an osteoporosis evaluation. Before the evaluation, make sure you have had a DEXA (bone scan) and some specific lab work If you have had a DEXA within the last 2-3 years, it may still be used. Our office can assist in ordering the bone scan and the lab. Once these are complete, schedule your evaluation for approximately one week after completed.