Untreated osteoporosis can lead to spine fracture – Expert

Dr. Adaora Ukoh, an Abuja based Gynaecologist, on Tuesday said untreated osteoporosis could lead to fracture of the spine.
Ukoh disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
Ukoh explained that osteoporosis is a progressive disorder defined by loss of bone mass and density, which leads to an increased risk for fractures.
The term literally means: porous bone.
According to Ukoh, osteoporosis often progresses without any symptoms or pain, adding that the first sign may actually be a fractured bone.
She, however, stated that so many factors could predispose women to the condition.
She attributed age as one of the factors that could cause osteoporosis, explaining that after maximum bone density and strength is reached (generally around age 30), bone mass begins to decline naturally with age.
Ukoh said: “Women over the age of 50 have the greatest risk of developing osteoporosis.
“In fact, women are four times more likely than men to develop it.
“Women are lighter in weight, have thinner bones and also have longer life spans, which is part of the reason they have a higher risk.
“Research has shown that Caucasian and Asian women are more likely to develop osteoporosis.
“Additionally, hip fractures are twice as likely to occur in Caucasian women as in African-American women.
“However, women of colour who fracture their hips have a higher death rate.”
The expert also said bone structure and body weight plays a role in the development of the condition, noting that petite and thin women have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis.
Ukoh said: “One reason is that they have less bone to lose than women with more body weight and larger frames.
“Similarly, small-boned, thin men are at greater risk than men with larger frames and body weight.
“Heredity is one of the most important risk factors for osteoporosis, if your parents or grandparents have had any signs of osteoporosis such as a fractured hip after a minor fall, there may be at greater risk of developing the disease,’’ she noted.
Ukoh further said cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol use puts an individual at higher risk of having osteoporosis and fractures.
She added that long term use of certain medication such as steroids and certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis also increases the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Besides, Ukoh said prevention and treatment of osteoporosis includes having the basic calcium (C), vitamin D (D), either by diet or supplements.
She also said all round regimen of diet, lifestyle habits and osteoporosis medications help in preventing further bone loss and fractures.
She suggested other treatments that come in several forms, advising that a lot should start during childhood.
Other, she said, include prescription of drugs to treat osteoporosis.
Ukoh enjoined patients with the condition to adopt weight-bearing exercise as it helps the bones.
NAN.