Osteoporosis

Approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, and 44 million are at greater risk because of having low bone density. If left untreated, osteoporosis can lead to weakened bones and increase your risk of fractures. Vivek Bansal, MD, and the team at The EnLyv Clinics offer exceptional osteoporosis treatments at their locations in Bridgewater Township, Flemington, and Edison, New Jersey. Treating patients aged 12 and older, the team focuses on preventive care and healthy lifestyle changes or medication that can restore bone strength. To learn more, call the friendly staff today or book an appointment online. 

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is an often underdiagnosed disease that develops when your bone mineral density and bone mass decrease — when your bone structure and strength change. This can lead to brittle bones and increase your risk of fractures or broken bones. 

Osteoporosis can occur at any age, although your risk increases as you age — especially if you’re a woman. Approximately one in two women and one in four men over age 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis. 

Low estrogen levels in women and low testosterone levels in men may put you at greater risk for osteoporosis. 

How do I know if I have osteoporosis?

Doctors often call osteoporosis a “silent disease” because you can’t necessarily feel your bones getting weaker. You may not realize you or a loved one has osteoporosis until a bone breaks. 

You might notice a few unexplained changes in your body or a family member’s body that could mean bones are losing density or strength. Signs of osteoporosis may include:

• Losing height (an inch or more)
• Spine malformations 
• Changes in your posture (stooping or hunching)
• Shortness of breath (due to compressed discs in your spine)
• Severe back pain 

Signs of osteoporosis could be due to bone fractures. These fractures may occur as a result of otherwise minor falls or normal stresses like bending, lifting, or coughing. 

What are my treatment options for osteoporosis? 

A bone density test is the best way for the Enlyv Clinic team to diagnose osteoporosis and determine your treatment plan. A bone density test uses X-rays to measure how much calcium and other minerals are in your bones and their overall strength. 

You should also let your provider know what medications you take, as long-term use of certain medications may make you more at risk for bone loss and osteoporosis.

The team can work with you to improve your bone health, prevent osteoporosis and broken bones, or support you through the condition.

Treatment plans may include: 

• Calcium and vitamin D supplements 
• Improved diet and exercise support 
• Weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises
• Tools to avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol
• Osteoporosis medication 

Once you start taking an osteoporosis medicine, your provider may encourage an annual bone density test to stay current on your condition. 

For expert osteoporosis care, call The EnLyv Clinics today or book an appointment online.