Wondering if you should be screened for osteoporosis? Dr. David Neblett, our non-operative orthopedist offers screenings and treatments for those at risk for osteoporosis in Hendersonville and West Nashville. Certain groups are at higher risk for the development of osteoporosis. Read on to learn about osteoporosis risks, screenings, and treatment options that are available to you in Hendersonville.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a medical condition where bones become decalcified over time, making them fragile and more likely to break or fracture. It is a silent progressive disease that develops gradually and usually does not cause symptoms until a fracture occurs.
Osteoporosis weakens all bones in the body but most commonly presents with fractures in the spine, hip, shoulder and wrist. The disease is more common in women than men, and the risk of developing osteoporosis increases with age.
How do you screen for Osteoporosis?
An osteoporosis screening involves medical testing in order to assess a person’s future risk of developing a fracture. The initial workup typically involves some lab studies to measure vitamin d, hormone levels, liver and kidney function. It may also involve a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. A DEXA scan is a non-invasive test that measures the amount of of calcium deposited and is a good estimator of bone strength.
The results of an osteoporosis screening help healthcare providers, like Dr. Neblett identify individuals who may have increased risk for future fractures and may benefit from treatment to improve bone strength and reduce the risk of fractures.
Who should be screened for Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis screening is recommended for:
- Post menopausal women 50 years and older
- men 70 years and older
- Younger men and women with risk factors such as:
- strong family history of osteoporosis
- personal history of fracture due to weakened bones (often spine, shoulder, wrist, hip)
- low body weight
- smoking history
- early onset menopause or surgical hysterectomy at young age
- patients with chronic kidney disease
Osteoporosis Treatment Options
Osteoporosis is treated using a combination of lifestyle modifications and medications, depending on the severity of the disease and the individual’s overall health.
Lifestyle modifications:
- Exercise: Regular exercise, particularly weight-bearing and resistance exercises, can help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures.
- Diet: A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is important for maintaining strong bones. Calcium can be found in dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods, while vitamin D can be obtained from exposure to sunlight or supplements.
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake: Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption can weaken bones and increase the risk of fractures.
Medications:
- Vitamin D supplementation
- Calcium supplemenation
- Prescription medications: most of these medications aim to either increase bone mineralization or decrease bone resorption
It is important to note that osteoporosis treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach and should be individualized based on the patient’s overall health, risk factors, and preferences. Regular monitoring and revaluation is important to assess the effectiveness of treatment and make any necessary adjustments.
Osteoporosis Screening and Care in Hendersonville
At Complete Health Partners, we offer an innovative non-operative orthopedics program led by our expert physician Dr. David Neblett. Dr. Neblett specializes in the long-term and holistic care of bones, muscles and joint for both acute and chronic problems. Dr. Neblett works with his patients to create a custom plan to manage osteoporosis and reduce fracture risk.
Our non-operative orthopedics program incorporates the latest advances in orthopedic medicine and minimally invasive procedures, providing patients with safe and effective alternatives to traditional surgery. We are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal musculoskeletal health and improve their quality of life. To learn more or book a same-week appointment click here.
Nashville Area Orthopedic Clinics
6749 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209
629.203.7858
166 E. Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075
615.991.2855