Osteoporosis is a disease caused by the loss of too much bone, the creation too little bone, or both.

The Osteoporosis Program at Siskin Hospital helps maintain bone mass and improves posture, strength and balance for those with osteoporosis or who are at risk of developing it.

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What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis means “porous bone.” If you look at healthy bone under a microscope, you will see that parts of it look like a honeycomb. If you have osteoporosis, the holes and spaces in the honeycomb are much bigger than they are in healthy bone. This means your bones have lost density or mass and that the structure of your bone tissue has become abnormal. As your bones become less dense, they also become weaker and more likely to break. As a result, bones become weak and can break from a minor fall or, in serious cases, even from simple actions, like sneezing or bumping into furniture.

Signs of osteoporosis are usually silent. However, osteoporosis can lead to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures, especially of the hip, spine, and wrist. Some signs of osteoporosis include decreasing height, upper back pain, a curved upper back, or a fracture with minimal trauma.

If you’re 50 years or older and have broken a bone, talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider and ask if you should have a bone density test.

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Therapists plan for exercise based on the patient’s bone structure and symptoms and may include balance, aquatic, and posture exercises, as well as walking. The therapeutic pool and a nutritionist may be utilized in the program.

The patient is taught to integrate the exercise plan into their lifestyle. Independent exercise plays an important role in osteoporosis prevention. The treatment regimen includes diet, calcium supplements, and possibly other medications.

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For more information about Siskin Hospital’s Osteoporosis Program, call 423.634.1400 or email outpatient@siskinrehab.org.

More information on osteoporosis at The National Osteoporosis Foundation website.

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