Below, you’ll find must-know information about osteopenia.
Osteopenia is a medical condition that refers to a decrease in bone mineral density, also known as BMD.
BMD is a measure of the amount of minerals, mainly calcium, present in bone tissue. In osteopenia, bones become weak,
For every 10% decrease in bone density, the risk of fractures increases by two to three times. (1)
Osteopenia is more common in individuals who are over 50 years of age. Women who are in their menopause stage are more prone to develop the condition. (2)
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to the onset of this particular bone condition. These factors are aging, genetics, hormonal imbalances, inactivity, poor nutrition, medications, and chronic medical conditions. (3)
The thing with osteopenia is that it may not cause any symptoms. It can only be detected through a bone density test.
If left untreated, it can progress and lead to further bone loss. Osteopenia can eventually result in osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a more severe form of bone loss that significantly increases the risk of fractures and other complications.
The probability of experiencing an osteoporotic fracture during one’s lifetime can be as high as 50 percent, particularly among women of Asian and white ethnicities. (4)
It’s also worth knowing that fractures caused by osteoporosis may require surgery and prolonged rehabilitation.
In some cases, it can even lead to long-term disability. Early detection is important to prevent osteopenia from progressing to osteoporosis. It can help reduce the risk of complications.
While this particular bone condition does not present many symptoms, there are some signs to look out for.
Below are osteopenia symptoms worth knowing about.
7. Numbness
Osteopenia can contribute to nerve compression or damage, which can result in numbness. This can happen when the bones in the spine become weak and start to put pressure on the nerves.
The nerves can get irritated. They can eventually get damaged. In the case of osteopenia, vitamin D deficiency or hyperthyroidism can also cause nerve damage or sensory disturbances.
6. Tingling Sensation
Tingling is a sign that the body lacks calcium. When there is calcium deficiency, the individual is most likely to experience some tingling sensation in the tongue, lips, feet, and feet.
Again, this can be caused by damaged nerves. The lack of vitamin D or hyperthyroidism can also cause a tingling sensation.
5. Weakness In The Back, Legs, Or Arms
Osteopenia causes the individual to experience weakness in the back, legs, or arms. Calcium deficiency in the body can be blamed for this.
Calcium plays an essential role in bone building. When calcium is combined with other minerals, it forms hard crystals that provide bones with strength and structure. Most of the body’s calcium, approximately 99%, is located in the bones. So if the bones lack calcium, they become weak.
4. Back Pain
In osteopenia, the bones are already weak and have low mineral density. Hence, they are more susceptible to fractures and other injuries.
As a result, individuals with osteopenia may experience back pain brought about by vertebral fractures. These fractures can occur with minimal trauma or sometimes even without any trauma. They can also cause compression of the spinal cord which can bring about back pain.
3. Gradual Decrease In Height
A gradual decrease in height occurs as a result of the loss of bone density in the vertebrae of the spine. The vertebrae in the spine are separated by discs that act as shock absorbers and help to cushion the spine during movement.
As bone density decreases in the vertebrae, these discs may become compressed and flattened, causing the spine to gradually lose its natural curvature and become shorter. The loss of bone density in the vertebrae can also cause the vertebrae to fracture or collapse, which can further contribute to the decrease in height.
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