Osteoporosis - "porous bone" - is one of the most widespread diseases according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In Germany, one in four women and over 6.3 million women and men suffer from it. Around 885,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. Osteoporosis is the name given to a systemic metabolic disease of the bony skeleton. The bone density and thus the strength of the bones gradually decreases (reduction in bone density = osteopenia). If the density falls below a certain level, osteoporosis is present. Osteoporosis is primarily a disease of old age. Women are affected more frequently and earlier than men. However, not everyone shares this fate. Even if osteoporosis cannot be cured, it can be treated well. The prerequisite is a diagnosis as early as possible in order to start various therapeutic measures. Lifestyle plays a key role for prevention from an early age.
The metabolism of bones is very complex and characterized by a balance of constant breakdown and reconstruction. Bone density, and therefore the strength of the skeleton, reaches its peak at around 30 years of age. With increasing age, bone density decreases continuously. If bone metabolism is not optimal, more bone mass is lost than built up. The microarchitecture of the bone interior is a three-dimensional framework of fine bone beads with small cavities in between, similar to the structure of a (rigid) sponge. If the bone beads recede due to osteopenia, the cavities become larger. As a result, the bone becomes porous, it loses its stability, it deforms and it becomes more susceptible for fractures.
Around 95% of patients have what is known as primary osteoporosis. Women after the menopause (postmenopausal osteoporosis due to oestrogen deficiency) and people over the age of 70 (senile osteoporosis) in particular have an increased risk of developing the disease. Other risk factors favor the development of osteoporosis. These are a familial (genetic) predisposition, lack of exercise, "dietary sins" with phosphate-rich and calcium-poor food (soft drinks, fast food), vitamin D deficiency and heavy consumption of alcohol, coffee or cigarettes.
In rare cases, patients with pre-existing or concomitant diseases (e.g. cancer, diabetes mellitus, hormonal disorders, side effects of medication or medication abuse) can develop so-called secondary osteoporosis.
The aim of prevention is to maintain or improve the structures of the bone interior and the stability of the bones for as long as possible. Preventive measures relate to various areas of lifestyle:
Osteoporosis is initially completely asymptomatic and therefore goes unnoticed for a long time. The first signs only appear as the disease progresses. In the early stages, patients describe a "general feeling of weakness in the back" and diffuse pain in the back or large joints (hips, knees). As the disease progresses and without treatment, the pain in the spine or sternum becomes more severe. The height of the body can decrease due to slow, painless "creeping fractures" (hunchback, "widow's hump") and spontaneous fractures occur without any recognizable cause or after minor strain (e.g. violent sneezing, lifting a heavy object, harmless fall). This often results in fractures of the upper or lower arm, vertebral body fractures and fractures near the hip such as femoral neck fractures.
It is crucial to diagnose osteoporosis as early as possible in order to reduce the symptoms and effects through targeted therapies. Women and men over the age of 70, if there are other risk factors and when the first symptoms occur, should consult for osteoporosis specialist (osteologist). The medical history, blood tests and a physical examination provide initial indications of possible osteoporosis. A bone density measurement (osteodensitometry) is then carried out to confirm the diagnosis and assess the risk.
Depending on how advanced the disease is, there are various therapeutic options. Osteoporosis therapy consists of different components and requires the cooperation of several specialist areas. The individual pillars of therapy are
When selecting suitable sports, different types of training should be combined and varied. The focus here should be on enjoying exercise. Sports such as hiking, Nordic walking, dancing, gymnastics or strength training strengthen the muscles of the entire body and improve endurance. Whether alone or in a group, in a club or "just because" - the pleasure of exercise should not be neglected. The amount of activity depends on how you feel and your physical capabilities. Even moderate but regular and long-term strength-endurance combination training increases general performance and improves bone metabolism. This improves the cardiovascular system, muscle strength, endurance, coordination, flexibility, balance and, last but not least, bone formation. This means that previously untrained people can achieve significant positive effects with little effort and minimal strain.
Especially when it for to osteoporosis, the realization that "movement is life" is essential and leads to an improved quality of life.
Osteoporosis - "porous bone" - is one of the most widespread diseases according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In Germany, one in four women and over 6.3 million women and men suffer from it. Around 885,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. Osteoporosis is the name given to a systemic metabolic disease of the bony skeleton. The bone density and thus the strength of the bones gradually decreases (reduction in bone density = osteopenia). If the density falls below a certain level, osteoporosis is present. Osteoporosis is primarily a disease of old age. Women are affected more frequently and earlier than men. However, not everyone shares this fate. Even if osteoporosis cannot be cured, it can be treated well. The prerequisite is a diagnosis as early as possible in order to start various therapeutic measures. Lifestyle plays a key role for prevention from an early age.
The metabolism of bones is very complex and characterized by a balance of constant breakdown and reconstruction. Bone density, and therefore the strength of the skeleton, reaches its peak at around 30 years of age. With increasing age, bone density decreases continuously. If bone metabolism is not optimal, more bone mass is lost than built up. The microarchitecture of the bone interior is a three-dimensional framework of fine bone beads with small cavities in between, similar to the structure of a (rigid) sponge. If the bone beads recede due to osteopenia, the cavities become larger. As a result, the bone becomes porous, it loses its stability, it deforms and it becomes more susceptible for fractures.
Around 95% of patients have what is known as primary osteoporosis. Women after the menopause (postmenopausal osteoporosis due to oestrogen deficiency) and people over the age of 70 (senile osteoporosis) in particular have an increased risk of developing the disease. Other risk factors favor the development of osteoporosis. These are a familial (genetic) predisposition, lack of exercise, "dietary sins" with phosphate-rich and calcium-poor food (soft drinks, fast food), vitamin D deficiency and heavy consumption of alcohol, coffee or cigarettes.
In rare cases, patients with pre-existing or concomitant diseases (e.g. cancer, diabetes mellitus, hormonal disorders, side effects of medication or medication abuse) can develop so-called secondary osteoporosis.
The aim of prevention is to maintain or improve the structures of the bone interior and the stability of the bones for as long as possible. Preventive measures relate to various areas of lifestyle:
Osteoporosis is initially completely asymptomatic and therefore goes unnoticed for a long time. The first signs only appear as the disease progresses. In the early stages, patients describe a "general feeling of weakness in the back" and diffuse pain in the back or large joints (hips, knees). As the disease progresses and without treatment, the pain in the spine or sternum becomes more severe. The height of the body can decrease due to slow, painless "creeping fractures" (hunchback, "widow's hump") and spontaneous fractures occur without any recognizable cause or after minor strain (e.g. violent sneezing, lifting a heavy object, harmless fall). This often results in fractures of the upper or lower arm, vertebral body fractures and fractures near the hip such as femoral neck fractures.
It is crucial to diagnose osteoporosis as early as possible in order to reduce the symptoms and effects through targeted therapies. Women and men over the age of 70, if there are other risk factors and when the first symptoms occur, should consult for osteoporosis specialist (osteologist). The medical history, blood tests and a physical examination provide initial indications of possible osteoporosis. A bone density measurement (osteodensitometry) is then carried out to confirm the diagnosis and assess the risk.
Depending on how advanced the disease is, there are various therapeutic options. Osteoporosis therapy consists of different components and requires the cooperation of several specialist areas. The individual pillars of therapy are
When selecting suitable sports, different types of training should be combined and varied. The focus here should be on enjoying exercise. Sports such as hiking, Nordic walking, dancing, gymnastics or strength training strengthen the muscles of the entire body and improve endurance. Whether alone or in a group, in a club or "just because" - the pleasure of exercise should not be neglected. The amount of activity depends on how you feel and your physical capabilities. Even moderate but regular and long-term strength-endurance combination training increases general performance and improves bone metabolism. This improves the cardiovascular system, muscle strength, endurance, coordination, flexibility, balance and, last but not least, bone formation. This means that previously untrained people can achieve significant positive effects with little effort and minimal strain.
Especially when it for to osteoporosis, the realization that "movement is life" is essential and leads to an improved quality of life.
