In 1985, various research studies revealed the rising number of bone fractures and breakage due to osteoporosis. Following these results, federal legislation named May osteoporosis and bone health awareness month to encourage education of preventative measures. Today, GMG continues raising awareness about bone health and preventative measures for osteoporosis during the month of May, like scheduling bone density scans.
Gonzaba Medical Group wants to keep you informed and lower the risk of developing osteoporosis and the negative side effects that come with it. In this article, we will go over the signs and symptoms to look out for, preventative measures, best practices and the resources Gonzaba has to offer you.
Preventative Screening is The Best Way to Stay Ahead of Complications
So, what is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a diagnosis of a bone disease that occurs when your bones lose mass, which in turn puts you at risk of fractures and breaks even from minor falls or stress. Osteoporosis is known as a silent disease as it does not fully develop until stage three and does not show symptoms until stage four. The condition is common among people over the age of 65, in fact one in four women above the age of 65 are diagnosed with osteoporosis. To stay ahead of a late diagnosis, it’s imperative to keep yourself educated, learn about the various stages of osteoporosis, and get your screening done early.
When it comes to osteoporosis, a bone density scan is the most accurate indicator of your bone health. Early diagnosis allows your primary care provider to create an individualized healthcare plan that will aid in alleviating symptoms and avoiding negative impact on your daily life. At Gonzaba Medical Group, our doctors are focused on preventative care, and they want to schedule you for a bone density exam early!
Once you have scheduled your bone density scan, here’s what you can expect…
A bone density scan is easy, painless and quick with no preparations needed before or after the screening. The patient lies on their back without moving while low-density X-rays are applied throughout their body using a DEXA® scan.
Understanding the various stages of osteoporosis…
Stage 1
The first stage of osteoporosis sees no symptoms and is defined by when bones no longer create more bone material than they are losing. Bone loss and bone formation are at the exact same rate. This usually occurs when one is between the ages of 20-40. If a DEXA scan identifies this stage, your doctor will advise you on the next steps to strengthen your bone density and prevent further complications.
Stage 2
A person who is diagnosed with stage two sees no symptoms and has a bone mass density that is statistically low for their age. Their bones are not producing enough density and are becoming increasingly brittle. This stage is known as osteopenia. If someone is diagnosed with osteopenia, they can take steps to significantly reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Stage 3
When a patient reaches the third stage, they can now be formally diagnosed with osteoporosis. Their bone loss is at an alarming rate, and they are at risk of experiencing bone breakage and fractures from minor falls. If the patient does not incur any falls, they might not see any symptoms at this stage either.
Stage 4
This is the most advanced stage of osteoporosis when patients are at highest risk of bone fractures and breakage. It is only at this last stage that patients begin to have visible symptoms such as height loss, stooped posture or even noticeable changes in their spine.
Gonzaba Medical Group wants to prevent late diagnosis, and we recommend getting a preventative screening once you turn 65.
Ask your primary care doctor about scheduling a bone density scan today and stay ahead of year health. At Gonzaba Medical Group, we prioritize preventative care for our patients, and our healthcare professionals are here to answer any questions and make sure you are comfortable during your individualized healthcare journey. Give us a call today and schedule a time to talk to your doctor! We want you to get your screening early so that you can avoid life-altering side effects and keep doing the things you love!
For further educational resources, Gonzaba recommends The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation
The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation was founded forty years ago to spread awareness about bone health and help prevent osteoporosis. They provide valuable resources all year long to stay informed on bone health, and best practices. If you are interested in learning more about osteoporosis, bone health and the science behind it, we encourage you to check out their website.
Gonzaba Medical Group prides themselves on providing high quality healthcare to the San Antonio Seniors, prioritizing preventative care and educating our patients to the best of our ability. Remember to ask your primary care doctor before making any drastic lifestyle changes, so they can assist you in making the best decisions for your healthcare journey. Thank you for trusting Gonzaba Medical Group, where we take care of your health so you can keep doing the things you love