Let’s Talk Osteoporosis: Causes, Risks, and How to Get Checked

Osteoporosis is considered a silent disease - people often don’t know they have it until they break a bone or multiple! Osteoporosis is characterised by low bone density, meaning the bones are weaker and more susceptible to fractures. Osteoporosis and osteopenia (precursor to osteoporosis) affect over half of adults aged over 50 years with lower diagnosis and increased fracture rate outside of major cities. 

What Causes Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis can often be prevented, but some factors increase the risk of developing it. These risk factors are divided into two groups, modifiable (things you can change) and non-modifiable (things you cannot change).Modifiable risk factors - Include poor nutrition, low physical activity, extreme weight loss, smoking, high alcohol consumption, stress and exposure to air pollution. Non-modifiable risk factors - Include age, gender (women have 50% higher risk), family history, previous fractures, history of falls, height loss of more than 3cm, premature menopause and being of white ethnic background. 

Osteoporosis isn’t just about ageing. Other health issues can also weaken bones such as long-term corticosteroid use, hormonal changes, chronic illnesses eg: rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, low vitamin D, heart disease and even dementia are linked to increased risk.  Recognising this aids in early prevention and better bone health.

How is it Diagnosed?

Bone mineral densitometry (DEXA) is essential for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. The bone bus is a mobile bone densitometry service that travels across Australia, so patients don’t have to. The bone bus visits the Limestone Coast region twice a year, so stay tuned for when it arrives next year. The closest testing location to Naracoorte is Benson Radiology (Crouch St North) in Mount Gambier. If you have concerns or are interested in finding out more about your bone health, visit your GP for a referral and more information.

Want to learn more about the prevention and management of osteoporosis and osteopenia? Keep an eye out for our upcoming blog posts, posts on the Good Country Physio social media page and in clinic for our brochures, educational posters or have a chat with one of us!

Gabrielle Prider and Chelsea Holmes

4th Year Physiotherapy Students at the University of South Australia

Undertaking their Health Promotion placement at Good Country Physiotherapy, supervised by Angela Willsmore