15201 Shady Grove Rd. Suite #106
Rockville, MD 20850
Tel: 301-948-4395
Fax: 301-840-8972
Bill Rolle PT, DPT, CSCS
Linda Kuserk PT
Robert Woodside PT, DPT, CSCS
Matt Adams PT, MS
Adam Weaver, PT, DPT
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Risk Factors for
Osteoporosis
Did
you know that at the ripe old age of about 30 you might start
shrinking? …And we don’t mean width-wise either.
“It’s the result of bone loss,” said Ashok Sharma,
M.D., a radiologist in Arlington, Virginia. “After
30 years of age, the bones have reached their peak bone mass."
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From that point on, bones are susceptible
to a degeneration process and the early stages of Osteoporosis can
begin. Osteoporosis is a condition in which bone mass decreases
to the point where loss of height and fractures occur.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Caucasian
and Asian females are at the highest risk for Osteoporosis.
But, many people do not realize that 20% of individuals diagnosed
with Osteoporosis are men! Other risk factors include
poor nutritional habits; lack of exercise, a family history
of Osteoporosis, being small framed, as well as eating disorders.
Certain illnesses and medications can also increase an individual’s
risk for Osteoporosis.
Most
importantly, a person’s bone density is not visible or
apparent. Take our Osteoporosis
Risk Assessment to determine your risk factors and to identify
whether you should have an Osteoporosis
Screening. The test is quick and painless.
Biological
Factors
-
Gender
- Your chances of developing osteoporosis are greater if
you are a woman. Women have less bone tissue and lose bone
more rapidly than men because of the changes involved in
menopause.
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Age
- the older you are, the greater your risk of osteoporosis.
Your bones become less dense and weaker as you age.
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Body
size - Small, thin-boned women are at greater risk.
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Ethnicity
- Caucasian and Asian women are at highest risk. African-American
and Latino women have a lower but significant risk.
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Family
history - Susceptibility to fracture may be, in part, hereditary.
People whose parents have a history of fractures also seem
to have reduced bone mass and may be at risk for fractures.
Behavioral
Factors
-
Sex
hormones: abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea),
low estrogen level (menopause), and low testosterone level
in men.
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Anorexia.
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A
lifetime diet low in calcium and vitamin D.
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Use
of certain medications, such as glucocorticoids or some
anticonvulsants.
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An
inactive lifestyle or extended bed rest.
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Cigarette
smoking.
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Excessive
use of alcohol.
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