Osteoporosis

Our approach to osteoporosis care

Osteoporosis doesn’t just weaken your bones. It can also weaken your spirit. Simple things like bending down and walking up stairs suddenly feel risky. That’s why we’re here to empower you to take charge of your bone health.

Our team of experts will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and needs. Together, we’ll help you live your life to the fullest, without letting osteoporosis hold you back.

Signs and symptoms of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become porous or brittle, losing density and breaking more easily. Everyone's bones get weaker as we get older, and women are at a higher risk. In women, bone loss increases around menopause.

Unfortunately osteoporosis doesn't have symptoms until a fracture happens. Therefore most patients are unaware that they have osteoporosis.

In the early stages of osteoporosis, you may not have any symptoms. As the condition gets worse, you may experience:

• back pain
• kyphosis, a forward rounding of the upper back
• broken bones (fractures)
• height loss

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications, such as fractures.

When to seek care

If you're concerned that you may have osteoporosis, let's talk. We can recommend a bone density test to diagnose the condition and develop a treatment plan that's right for you.

Our steps to a diagnosis

Sometimes the first sign is a broken bone in your hip, spine or wrist after a bump or fall.

If you think you may have osteoporosis, our specialists can help you understand your symptoms and find the best treatment plan for you.

Diagnosis process

• Your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms and do a physical exam.
• You may have a bone density test that measures your bone strength and your risk for a broken bone.
• A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) test checks for osteoporosis. The test measures bone thickness and is used to see if your bones are getting thin and brittle, which means they could break more easily.
• You may have a Fracture Risk Assessment (FRAX) to predict your risk of having a fracture related to osteoporosis in the next 10 years.

Treatment options for osteoporosis

Fall prevention: We provide guidance on fall prevention strategies to reduce the risk of fractures. These strategies include removing hazards from your home, using assistive devices and improving your balance.

Every person with osteoporosis is unique, so we take a personalized approach to care. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual symptoms and risks to help ensure the best possible outcome.

Additional treatment options may include:

• Taking prescribed medication to slow down bone loss and increase bone density. These medications include bisphosphonates, teriparatide and strontium ranelate.
• Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements to help strengthen bones.
• Regular weight-bearing exercise such as walking, running and dancing, to help improve bone strength.