Share:

Osteoporosis is a disease that reduces the density and quality of your bones. Impacting millions of people in the U.S., it increases the risk of fracture as patients’ bones become fragile and porous. While it has no cure, the disease can be prevented or slowed with proper treatment and early screening. Read on for a brief explanation of osteoporosis screening and treatment to help keep you healthy for years to come.

Screening

The best way to diagnose osteoporosis is to undergo a bone density scan. Commonly performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or bone densitometry, your doctor will measure your bone mineral density or BMD. With the results, they can give you a diagnosis and determine a treatment plan that reduces your risk of painful and dangerous fractures.

Treatment

osteoperosisThere are a variety of treatment methods to slow the effects of osteoporosis, including medications to help your bones stay as strong as possible. The options available from your pharmacy work differently and have serious side effects if taken incorrectly, so it’s important to work with your doctor to decide what’s right for you. Additionally, hormone replacement therapy or HRT can also be used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in women.

Holistic treatment methods for this disease include vigilant nutrition and regular exercise. Your doctor will likely encourage you to eat a diet rich in calcium, such as leafy green vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, salmon, tofu, nonfat or low-fat milk, and low-fat yogurt. Exercise is another great way to keep your bones strong and healthy. Ask your doctor how you can incorporate weight-bearing exercises such as running, tennis, aerobics, and walking as well as muscle-strengthening exercises like weight lifting into your daily routine.

 

Looking for an osteoporosis screening specialist in your area? Turn to J. Harley Barrow, Jr., MD, and The Center for Women in Mountain Home, AR. This OB-GYN provides comprehensive yet compassionate women’s health care with a Christian mindset. Committed to administering a full spectrum of women’s health care services, north-central Arkansas and southern Missouri patients in all stages of life trust Dr. Barrow for everything from routine exams to health counseling. Give their friendly team a call today at (870) 425-7300 or contact them online to schedule an appointment. Current patients can provide feedback on this post by clicking here.

tracking