Srinagar, Oct 20 (KNO): Terming Osteoporosis as the “silent bone disease,” experts on Tuesday said that creating awareness, early diagnosis and preventive measures are important to protect bone health.
An expert while talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “Osteoporosis is a condition that gradually weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures, often remains undetected until a person suffers a fracture, with the spine and hip among the most commonly affected areas.”
“The Osteoporosis generally develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As bone density decreases and the internal structure of bones deteriorates, even minor falls, sudden movements or routine daily activities can sometimes result in fractures,” he added.
He said, “The condition is a significant public health concern, particularly among postmenopausal women and older adults, although it can also affect younger individuals due to nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, certain medical conditions and prolonged use of specific medications.”
The expert emphasised that timely screening, adequate nutrition and regular physical activity can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of Osteoporosis and preventing complications associated with weakened bones.
Pertinently, Osteoporosis is a medical condition characterised by reduced bone mineral density and deterioration of bone tissue, making bones increasingly fragile and susceptible to fractures.
According to doctors, bone mass generally reaches its peak by around the age of 30, after which the body gradually loses bone density as part of the natural ageing process.
However, when bone loss occurs faster than the body can replace it, bones become progressively weaker, increasing the likelihood of fractures.
Dr Javid Ahmad Reshie, an orthopaedic specialist, said osteoporosis can develop due to several factors, including hormonal changes, inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake, physical inactivity and certain underlying medical conditions.
He said hormonal changes are among the major contributors to bone loss, particularly in women following menopause, when declining oestrogen levels accelerate the breakdown of bone tissue.
“Adequate calcium and vitamin D are essential for maintaining bone strength. When the body does not receive sufficient amounts of these nutrients over a prolonged period, bones can gradually become weaker, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures,” he said.
Dr Reshie said that a sedentary lifestyle and lack of weight-bearing physical activity can further contribute to declining bone strength. “Prolonged use of certain medications, particularly corticosteroids, as well as thyroid disorders and some autoimmune conditions, can also increase the risk,” he added.
Doctors said osteoporosis is not exclusively associated with ageing, as inadequate nutrition and failure to build sufficient bone mass during childhood, adolescence and young adulthood can also increase the likelihood of developing the condition later in life.
Dr Ishtiyaq Ahmad, an associate professor at GMC Srinagar, said women are generally at a higher risk of Osteoporosis than men, particularly after menopause, due to the significant decline in oestrogen levels that play an important role in maintaining bone density.
He said other vulnerable groups include people above the age of 50, individuals with a family history of osteoporosis, those who are underweight or malnourished, and patients suffering from chronic illnesses or receiving long-term steroid treatment.
“An important concern with Osteoporosis is that patients may not experience any obvious warning signs until a fracture occurs. By the time the condition is diagnosed following a fracture, considerable bone loss may already have taken place,” he said.
He stressed that people belonging to high-risk groups should consult healthcare professionals regarding bone health assessment and the need for appropriate investigations.
SPINE AND HIP FRACTURES AMONG MAJOR COMPLICATIONS
Doctors said fractures are the most serious complications associated with Osteoporosis, with injuries to the hip and spine having particularly severe consequences for older adults.
They explained that Osteoporosis-related spinal fractures can occur following relatively minor movements, bending or lifting, and may sometimes develop without a clearly identifiable injury.
Such fractures can cause persistent back pain, loss of height and a forward-bending or stooped posture. In some cases, multiple spinal fractures can significantly affect mobility and the ability to perform everyday activities.
Hip fractures are particularly concerning among elderly patients, as they can lead to prolonged hospitalisation, reduced mobility, loss of independence and other complications associated with extended periods of immobility.
Doctors cautioned that the consequences of Osteoporosis extend beyond physical injury, as fractures can affect a person's quality of life, confidence, ability to carry out routine activities and overall independence.
They said early identification of bone loss is therefore important to help reduce the risk of fractures and ensure that appropriate preventive or therapeutic measures are initiated before serious complications develop.
HEALTHY DIET AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY KEY TO PREVENTION
While Osteoporosis cannot always be completely reversed, doctors said its progression can often be slowed and the risk of fractures reduced through appropriate treatment, nutritional support and lifestyle modifications.
They advised people to maintain a balanced diet containing adequate calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for bone formation and the maintenance of bone strength.
Dairy products such as milk, curd and cheese, along with green leafy vegetables, nuts and certain fish, can contribute to a bone-supportive diet. Doctors said individuals who are unable to obtain sufficient nutrients through food should seek medical advice before considering supplements.
They also stressed the importance of regular physical activity, particularly weight-bearing exercises such as walking and jogging, as well as appropriate strength-training exercises that help maintain bone strength and muscle function.
According to experts, maintaining strong muscles and good balance can also help reduce the likelihood of falls, which are a major cause of fractures among older adults.
Doctors further advised people to avoid smoking, limit alcohol consumption, maintain a healthy body weight and seek medical evaluation for conditions or medications that may contribute to bone loss.
They said individuals at increased risk may require a bone mineral density assessment, commonly performed through a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, to determine bone density and assess the risk of fractures.
However, they emphasised that the decision regarding screening should be based on age, medical history, risk factors and a doctor's assessment rather than a fixed testing schedule for everyone.
PREVENTION SHOULD BEGIN EARLY
Doctors said efforts to prevent Osteoporosis should begin well before old age, particularly during childhood, adolescence and young adulthood, when the body builds much of its peak bone mass.
They said inadequate nutrition, insufficient physical activity and unhealthy lifestyle habits during these formative years can affect long-term bone health and increase vulnerability to osteoporosis later in life.
Experts also called for greater public awareness about the condition, noting that many people tend to seek medical attention only after experiencing a fracture because bone loss usually progresses without obvious symptoms.
They urged people, particularly postmenopausal women and older adults, to discuss their bone health with healthcare professionals and undergo appropriate screening when indicated.
Doctors said Osteoporosis should not be dismissed as an inevitable consequence of ageing, adding that timely diagnosis, adequate nutrition, regular exercise and appropriate medical treatment can help people maintain stronger bones and reduce the risk of potentially disabling fractures.
“The key is to identify the risk before a fracture occurs. With greater awareness, early assessment and healthy lifestyle choices, many osteoporosis-related complications can be prevented or reduced,” doctors said—(KNO)