They support you, enable movement, and protect your internal organs. We're talking about your bones. But what happens when these constant companions lose strength? Then we're talking about a widespread but often overlooked disease: osteoporosis.

In this article, we delve into the topic of osteoporosis and explore its many aspects. We look at the symptoms, causes, different types, and their treatment options.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis, which you may also know as bone loss, is a disease that affects bones and weakens them. Imagine that the internal structures of your bones—normally strong and dense—gradually become porous, similar to a sponge. This causes the bones to lose their strength and become more prone to fractures.

Your bones are like a well-organized scaffolding system that is constantly being renewed and repaired. They are made of a mixture of calcium, proteins, and other minerals. Think of them like a skyscraper that is constantly being maintained by workers called osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The osteoblasts are like the construction workers, adding new material, while the osteoclasts break down and recycle the old material.

The symptoms of osteoporosis

We've already looked a little at the term "osteoporosis" and what it means. Now let's take a closer look at the signs and symptoms of this condition. Osteoporosis is a silent disease, meaning it can develop over years without showing any obvious signs.

The fact that you suffer from the condition often only becomes apparent when a bone fracture occurs. This can be confusing and frightening—sometimes a simple fall that you would have previously easily overcome suddenly becomes a source of pain and worry. Back pain can also be a sign of osteoporosis. Imagine your spine is like a stack of books, with the individual books—your vertebrae—slowly compressing and shrinking. This can lead to a curvature of the spine known as kyphosis, causing the typical "bowed" appearance.

But don't worry, just because osteoporosis often comes on quietly doesn't mean we're helpless. There are many ways to detect osteoporosis early and mitigate its effects. Through a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and timely medical checkups, we can protect ourselves and maintain the health of our bones.

The types of osteoporosis

Bone disease can be divided into different types, as it can differ in its causes, progression and the groups of people affected.

Primary osteoporosis is the most common type. It is divided into two further main types: postmenopausal and senile osteoporosis. As the name suggests, postmenopausal osteoporosis primarily affects women after menopause. When hormonal changes occur and the production of estrogen, a hormone that helps protect bones, decreases, this leads to faster bone loss and osteoporosis develops.

You may be more familiar with senile osteoporosis as age-related osteoporosis. It occurs in men and women starting at around age 70. The older we get, the more our body loses natural bone mass. In some people, this bone loss leads to the development of osteoporosis.

In addition to primary osteoporosis and its two forms, there is also secondary osteoporosis. This form of the disease is the result of other medical conditions or medications. Possible causes include long-term steroid treatment, hyperthyroidism, or certain nutritional disorders.

There is also idiomatic juvenile osteoporosis. Although this is a very rare form of the disease, it is arguably the most serious. It occurs in children and adolescents without a known cause. It usually begins before puberty, but fortunately, in many cases, it can improve once the child reaches adulthood.

But ultimately, it doesn't matter what type of osteoporosis you have. The good news is: There are several options for treating the disease.

How is osteoporosis treated? What helps?

The treatment of osteoporosis mainly involves three important points: lifestyle changes, medications and fall prevention.

Treatment often begins with simple yet effective lifestyle adjustments. A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is essential. Calcium strengthens bones, while vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Consider dairy products, green vegetables, and fatty fish; these are all natural sources of these important nutrients. It's no coincidence that one food manufacturer's well-known advertising slogan, "Little curd, strong bones," has become so successful.

Weight training and weight-bearing exercises are also particularly beneficial, as they help maintain and even increase bone strength. It's like taking your bones to the gym!

However, there are also various medications that can be used to treat osteoporosis. These range from biophosphonates, which slow bone loss, to hormone therapies and medications that promote bone formation. Following medical advice, a suitable medication combination is developed based on the individual's situation and needs.

Then there's fall prevention. With weakened bones, the risk of fractures is naturally greatly increased. Therefore, preventing falls is also an important part of treatment. This may include making changes to the home environment to remove dangerous tripping hazards or regular visits to a physical therapist to improve balance and muscle strength.

In addition, some sufferers also report positive experiences through the use of pulsed magnetic fields and other alternative treatment options.

A life with osteoporosis

The diagnosis of osteoporosis can seem intimidating at first, and that's entirely understandable. But it's no reason to be discouraged. There are numerous ways to improve bone health, and with modern treatment approaches and active involvement in your own health, bones can be significantly strengthened.

With the right tools and timely action, you can slow the disease and lead an active and fulfilling life. If you suffer from osteoporosis, you need to be exactly what you want your bones to be: strong and resilient.

Take control, don't get discouraged, and stay optimistic. Your bones and your body have an incredible ability to regenerate and adapt. Trust in them and stay positive.