Lifestyle behaviors that increase osteoporosis risk include: calcium and/or vitamin D deficiency; little or no exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise; alcohol abuse; cigarette smoking.
Organisms are constantly exposed to various stressful stimuli that affect physiological processes. Recent studies showed that chronic psychological stress is a risk factor for osteoporosis by various signaling pathways.
The significant biochemical and physiological effects of psychological stress are beginning to be recognized as exacerbating common diseases, including osteoporosis.
Dietary habits can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. This is a risk factor that can be managed. A diet without enough calcium and vitamin D can contribute to weak bones.
Women over the age of 50 are the most likely people to develop osteoporosis. The condition is 4 times as likely in women than men. Women's lighter, thinner bones and longer life spans are part of the reason they have a higher risk. Men can get osteoporosis, too -- it's just less common.
Non-modifiable risk factors for osteoporosis include: being female, being over age fifty, having a small frame, having an endocrine disorder, having a family member with the disease, and being Caucasian or Asian.
Exposure to air pollution increases the risk of osteoporosis: a nationwide longitudinal study. Furthermore, exposure to lead and cadmium is adversely associated with BMD and fracture risk.
Lifestyle: People who lead sedentary (inactive) lifestyles have a higher risk of osteoporosis. Tobacco use: Smoking increases the risk of fractures. Alcohol use: Having two drinks a day (or more) increases the risk of osteoporosis.
Calcium and vitamin D play a crucial role in maintaining bone health. Make sure your diet includes plenty of calcium and vitamin D rich foods. Add in lots of fruit and leafy greens, plus fish, meat, and fortified foods to give yourself the best chance of healthy bones.
Epidemiological studies implicate major depression as one of the most important medical conditions that contribute to reduced BMD and increased incidence of osteoporosis. Several studies, comparing altogether >200 patients with major depression and 240 controls, demonstrate a 6–15% lower BMD in the depressed patients.
Complications of Osseous Trauma
Disuse osteoporosis occurs characteristically in patients with immobilized limbs secondary to fracture or paralysis. It usually becomes apparent during the first 7 months to 2 years after trauma.
It may start gradually and get worse over time or come on suddenly and sharply.
Osteoporosis is Serious
Breaking a bone is a serious complication of osteoporosis, especially with older patients. Osteoporotic bone breaks are most likely to occur in the hip, spine or wrist, but other bones can break too. In addition to causing permanent pain, osteoporosis causes some patients to lose height.
The short answer is no, osteoporosis cannot be completely reversed and is not considered curable, but there are a number of health and lifestyle adjustments you can make to improve bone loss. Your provider may also prescribe you medications to help rebuild and slow down bone loss.
Being small-framed or thin. Thin people and those with small frames are more likely to develop osteoporosis. But being overweight puts women at risk for other serious medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease (CAD).
Human and animal studies clearly demonstrate that chronic, heavy alcohol consumption compromises bone health and increases the risk of osteoporosis. In particular, heavy alcohol use decreases bone density and weakens bones' mechanical properties.