What is Bone Resorption (Osteoporosis)?

Osteoporosis, also known as osteoporosis, can be defined as the weakening and fragility of bones due to the decrease in mineral density in the bones.

What is Osteoporosis?

This period, which is considered as the adolescence period then bone formation and bone destruction are equalized by coming to the same level. In other words, bone destruction begins from the age of 30. Therefore, after this age, bone mass should be supported by taking calcium and vitamin D. Osteoporosis, a type of skeletal system disease, is more common in people aged 45 years and older and more common in women than men. Osteoporosis, which affects the entire skeletal system, especially affects the bones in the spine, hips and wrists. Bone fractures may occur as a result of a simple fall or even impact, as the bone's resistance to external impacts decreases. The treatment of osteoporosis is carried out according to the current condition of the person after determining the bone density. Before moving on to osteoporosis treatment methods, it is necessary to understand what osteoporosis is.
Osteoporosis, which is a systemic disease, is also known as osteoporosis among the people. However, melting at this point does not mean the physical melting of the bones, but a decrease in bone density. In the disease, which can be defined as the decrease in bone density and weakening of the bone structure, the pores in the internal structure of the bones become larger. The disease, which causes the hardness of the bones to decrease and their quality to decrease, weakens the bones and makes them more fragile.

Osteoporosis, which has become the most common bone disease all over the world with the increase in life expectancy, is a serious public health problem. Although osteoporosis, which causes the deterioration of the microarchitecture of the bone, can occur at any age, the disease is more common in people aged 45 and over. While it is seen in one third of women over the age of 45, this rate is one in five in men.
Bone loss is a preventable disease as well as being treatable. But sometimes the disease is considered insidious because it does not cause any symptoms until the fracture occurs. That's why u It is recommended to have regular health check-ups after the age of 45 for diagnosis at the appropriate time. After the age of 65, women and men after the age of 70 must have their bone density measured.

What are the Types of Osteoporosis?

There are two main types of osteoporosis, primary and secondary:
1) Primary (Primary) Osteoporosis: Primary osteoporosis occurs between the ages of 23 and 86. In primary osteoporosis, there is no other disease or event that causes the disease. Primary osteoporosis occurs in three different ways:

• Osteoporosis after menopause,
• Senile osteoporosis,
• Idiopathic juvenile (seen in young people) Osteoporosis.

2) Secondary (Secondary) Osteoporosis: Secondary osteoporosis, which develops in the presence of a different underlying disease or due to the drugs used, is especially seen in young men or women who have entered the menopause period. The continuation of bone loss or the formation of new fractures despite the person receiving treatment are also considered as secondary osteoporosis. It is mostly caused by:

• Sedentary lifestyle,
• Heavy alcohol use,
• Genetic factors,
• Endocrine diseases,
• Digestive system diseases,
• Blood diseases,
• Rheumatic diseases,
• Cancer.

What are the Causes of Osteoporosis?

There are osteoblast and osteoclast cells in the skeletal system. Osteoblast cells are involved in the production of new bone cells. Osteoclast cells break down old bone cells to regenerate bone tissue. With the advancing age, the rate of production in bone cells cannot reach the rate of destruction. When this situation is combined with risk factors such as malnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle, osteoporosis occurs. Some of the factors leading to osteoporosis can be listed as follows:

• Genetic factors,
• Gender,
• Premature menopause,
• Frequent birth,
• Calcium-poor diet,
• Excessive exercise,
• Sedentary lifestyle,
• Smoking,
• Vegan diet,
• Milk intolerance,
• Childhood malnutrition.

What are the Symptoms of Osteoporosis?

Bone formation continue until late 20s However, after this age, construction and destruction become equal. In the following years, the rate of destruction increases and causes the formation of osteoporosis. In the early stages of osteoporosis, the person does not feel any symptoms. The decrease in the quality of the bones can only be noticed during bone density measurement or as a result of traumas such as cracking and breaking in the bones.
Some symptoms can be seen due to the decrease in bone density with advancing age. However, since the bone damage that occurs in this period is reversible to a small extent, it is recommended that the person take precautions against osteoporosis and have bone density measurements at regular intervals after a certain age. Some of the common symptoms of osteoporosis can be listed as follows:
·   Back, waist and neck pain, · _ Deterioration of posture, · Narrowing in the abdominal and thoracic cavities ·   Humpback, ·   Shortening of height, · Wide bone pain, ·   Simple falls or bumps fracture formation.

Can Osteoporosis Be Prevented?

In order to prevent osteoporosis, it is necessary to eat regularly from childhood. Adequate calcium intake along with diet is extremely important. Supporting bone development between the ages of 0-29, which is the period when bone formation continues, helps to prevent the formation of osteoporosis in later ages.
Exercise, which ensures adequate secretion of estrogen in women and testosterone in men, also has an important role in strengthening bones, muscles and tissues. Bone loss in women usually starts from the age of forties. During the first few years after menopause, bone loss is substantial. People in this age group need 1200 mg daily. It is important to take calcium and 400 to 800 IU of vitamin D. For this reason, it is recommended to consume green leafy vegetables rich in calcium on a regular basis, as well as consumption of milk and dairy products. For vitamin D, sunbathing on the face for 15 minutes a day is sufficient.

How to Diagnose Osteoporosis?

In case of different bone pains, especially knee and joint pains, after the menopause period, the person should definitely consult a doctor. should apply.&nbs p; Both laboratory and radiological examinations are requested from the patients who apply with these complaints. The main ones are:

• Calcium and phosphate levels in the blood,
• Determination of hormone levels,
• Evaluation of a person's general nutritional status with vitamin and mineral measurements,
• Radiological evaluation of bone mineral density (BMD),
• The evaluation of the presence of compression fractures, especially in areas with pain complaints, is performed with plain skeletal radiographs.

After the diagnosis is clarified, the physician evaluates the disease according to the stage of the disease. can administer treatments.

How is Osteoporosis Treated?

Regular nutrition recommendations are given to people with reduced bone density but low probability of fracture. Vitamin and mineral supplements are prescribed when necessary. Bisphosphonate-containing drugs are given to people who are at high risk of breaking bones. This orally taken medicine may cause side effects such as heartburn, burning, nausea and abdominal pain in some people. In case of such situations, the physician should be informed about the presence of side effects. The physician may recommend discontinuation of these drugs and the use of monoclonal antibody drugs administered by injection every 6 months. In addition to all these, different drugs can be prescribed to support bone formation.
Bone resorption is noticed late by many people as it does not cause symptoms in the initial period. In this case, the damage to the bones can be reversed to a small extent. Therefore, it is recommended that people aged 45 and over go to a doctor's control regularly and have their bone density measured.

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