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Why you must keep bones strong

Don't let osteoporosis leave you fragile and weak.

Osteoporosis doesn't occur overnight. Like so many other chronic conditions, it takes years to develop. Many people are even unaware that they are getting it because they don't have symptoms. But there are 44 million Americans who have osteoporosis, according to the American College of Physicians, and an additional 34 million Americans have low bone mass, predisposing them to the disease over time.

Simply put, osteoporosis robs bones of their strength, making them fragile and unable to sustain the weight of the structures they support. It can lead to increased risk of fractures of the spine, hip and wrist.

Because there are no obvious symptoms, doctors look for various factors to identify those who might be at risk for developing weak bones. Knowing the risk factors for osteoporosis can help you determine whether you may be predisposed (see box).

Although these traits are associated with an increased risk of developing the disease, even folks who don't have them still may get it. Anyone who breaks a bone from mild trauma and doesn't have the usual risk factors should be evaluated for osteoporosis.

Bone density can be assessed with different tools, but the most common method uses X-ray equipment called a bone densitometer. The study, known as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA for short), reliably finds people with diminished bone mass. Once identified, the condition can be treated in various ways to improve bone strength and avoid fractures. Treatment depends on a person's specific situation and generally is effective.

When it comes to decreased bone strength, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Contributing Editor Tedd Mitchell, M.D., president and CEO of the renowned Cooper Clinic in Dallas, writes HealthSmart every week.