Osteoporosis

Symptoms of Osteoporosis


Doctors and patients may struggle to recognize the early clues associated with osteoporosis. Often, no obvious symptoms will emerge during the initial phases of the condition. In fact, one may not realize that he or she has osteoporosis until that first fracture occurs. However, if you know what to look out for, you can distinguish some early warning signs.

Our team of spine specialists at The Advanced Spine Center of NJ is adept at treating degenerative conditions of the spine. In particular, Dr. Charles Gatto specializes in the treatment of age-related degeneration, such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Embracing a conservative approach, he will explore all avenues to deliver relief and spinal stability from osteoporosis. Call Dr. Gatto and his team of clinicians today to set up your first appointment!

Risk Factors for Developing Osteoporosis


Although Osteoporosis can affect anyone, certain factors make some individuals more susceptible than others.

Age: Our bones naturally grow thinner over time, even without the thinning effects of osteoporosis. This natural degeneration can make both women and men more susceptible to osteoporosis.

Menopause: Furthermore, fluctuations in hormones due to menopause can cause changes in bone development and regeneration. This makes older women especially vulnerable to osteoporosis.

Genetics: Likewise, a family history of osteoporosis can increase your likelihood of developing this condition in later life.

Small Frame: In addition, osteoporosis is more prevalent in those with a small or thin body frame.

Vitamin Deficiencies: Low levels of Calcium and Vitamin D have been shown to correlate with osteoporosis.

Smoking: Smoking causes a lower bone density, which be especially harmful to women post-menopause. Smoking does not discriminate, however. Men who smoke also tend to have lower bone densities.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol increases one’s risk for osteoporosis. Drinking slows the absorption of necessary vitamins and inhibits the body’s development of bone-restoring osteoblasts. Furthermore, alcohol increases the level of cortisol in the body. And, the hormone cortisol has been shown to inhibit bone formation and promote bone degeneration.

Lack of Exercise: Living a sedentary life, void of meaningful exercise, increases your chances for developing osteoporosis. However, engaging in weight-bearing and strength-building exercise can prevent osteoporosis. (Exercise also prevents a host of other diseases that result from aging or an unhealthy lifestyle.)

Likewise, a number of medical conditions can promote the development of osteoporosis, including diabetes, lupus, breast cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and even depression. Not only this, but certain doctor-prescribed medications can accelerate the progression of osteoporosis. The good news, however? You can choose from a variety of successful and minimally invasive treatment options.

Adult Scoliosis Treatment Options

Lifestyle Changes

Changing one’s lifestyle can make all the difference. Eating healthy, quitting smoking, cutting down on alcohol consumption, and adding in some exercise can help to avoid osteoporosis. In particular, physical therapists and nutritionists can aid with lifestyle goals.

Vertebroplasty

Like a Kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive Vertebroplasty helps to restore stability to the fractured vertebrae. Without using a balloon, your surgeon will inject a hardening cement into the fracture. After a short drying time, the vertebra is stabilized.

Kyphoplasty

A Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical option for repairing fractured vertebrae. A balloon is inflated to restore vertebral height in the shattered vertebra. Then, a hardening cement is injected into the restored space to maintain vertebral stability. Read more...

Hip Arthroplasty

A more surgically invasive intervention for osteoporosis, a Hip Arthroplasty involves the replacement of the hip joint. Also called a Total Hip Replacement, this is very common and successfully performed procedure.