Osteoporosis means bone with holes. Osteoporosis results from loss of calcium from bone and its a process that starts between the ages of 30 and 40. Practical information about Osteoporosis are:

1. Osteoporosis is a preventable problem. Everyone is at risk but it is more common in women because they start with a lower bone mass. It affects over 24 million Americans.

2. It can be caused by certain medications such as thyroid medications, steroids, heparin, dilantin, aluminum containing antacids, etc..

3. It does not cause pain until the bone fractures so it is a silent problem. When the fracture does occur it is very painful and the pain is very severe. It should be treated with pain medications to make patient comfortable as under-treatment of the fracture pain is common. Do not wait for a fracture to happen befor you are treated for Osteoporosis

4. Bone X-rays are not reliable for detection of Osteoporosis. Dual Photon Bone Densitometry is the best means of detecting Osteoporosis.

5. There are several risk factors for development of Osteoporosis such as inadequate dietary calcium intake, inactivity, early menopause, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, white and asian race, and others.

6. The treatment should start as soon as possible. There is no such thing as too late to treat. Treatment even in patients in their 80's and 90's were shown to be beneficial.

7. Actonel is effective for Osteporosis

8. Fosomax and Miacalcin are other options and appear to be effective in treatment of Osteoporosis.

9. Calcium, Vitamin D, and Weight-bearing exercises such as walking are part of treatment for Osteoporosis.

10. The best advice is to see a Rheumatologist ( specialist for Arthritis and Osteoporosis) for a complete evaluation to determine both the cause and your risk factors for development of osteoporosis. Treatment varies depend on your medical history, presence of risk factors, and history of previous fractures.