Osteoporosis is a condition resulting in the deterioration of bone health. Research suggests it affects an estimated 200 million people in the country, and its prevalence is rising. If you are at risk for osteoporosis, it is critical to understand how to prevent it from developing and treat it. In this article, we shall discuss the different ways of treating osteoporosis so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.

What is osteoporosis?

It is a disease that affects your bones, making them less dense and more likely to fracture under pressure. It is often called a “silent” disease because it is not always obvious, but it can be hazardous.

There are many different types of osteoporosis treatment available today. It is important to understand that everyone responds differently to treatments, and there is no “one size fits all” approach.

The right way to determine the best treatment for it is to get it checked with your doctor or other healthcare professional specializing in bone health issues like osteoporosis.

Different ways to treat osteoporosis

The treatment depends on several factors, including your age, gender, bone density, and overall health. The most common treatments are prescriptions and supplements; however, other options are available.

It is essential to consult your doctor and understand which treatment option is best for you to ensure your bones stay strong as they age.

Prescriptions

You may be given prescriptions to help slow bone loss and prevent fractures if you suffer from this condition.

The safest treatment falls into two main groups. The first group includes bisphosphonates— a treatment that slows bone loss by inhibiting bone resorption (the breakdown of bone tissue). Examples include:

Alendronate (Fosamax)

Etidronate (Didronel)

Ibandronate(Boniva)

Risedronate (Actonel)

Tiludronate (Skelid)

Zoledronic acid (Reclast).

The second treatment group is the selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Rather than affecting other body parts, these prescriptions prevent estrogen from binding to specific bones. Examples include:

Raloxifene (Evista)

Tamoxifen (Nolvadex).

Injections

Several types of injections can be used to treat osteoporosis in different ways.Bisphosphonate is the first type of injection that can be used as a treatment option. Bisphosphonates work by slowing the bone cells to break down and release calcium into your bloodstream. This helps reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis and prevent bone loss in people who already have it.

Another type of injection that can be used for the treatment is called parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH works by increasing the amount of calcium in your bloodstream so that more calcium stays in your bones instead of being released into your bloodstream, which could cause health problems.

Furthermore, injections of Bisphosphonates, or BPs, help prevent bone loss by slowing down bone resorption (the breakdown of bone). This is done by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, which are cells that break down bone tissue. BPs also help stimulate new bone formation through osteoblasts, which produce new bone tissue.

Surgery

Surgery as a treatment option is usually reserved for people with severe symptoms. If other treatments have not helped improve your condition, then your doctor may recommend a surgery.

Surgery for osteoporosis can be done in various ways:

Bisphosphonate Implantation

This procedure involves inserting a small device into your jawbone that contains alendronate sodium (Fosamax). The device slowly releases the substance into your system over time so that it can build up in your bones and protect them from further damage.

Vertebroplasty

In this procedure, doctors inject cement into your vertebrae (bones) to stabilize them and prevent further fractures. This treatment option is only performed on people who suffer from one or two vertebral compression fractures rather than multiple compression fractures throughout their spine.

Otherwise, it would not be effective at preventing further fractures because of how quickly they occur after each other following treatment completion.

Hip replacement surgery

Another type of surgery that may be necessary for osteoporosis is hip replacement surgery. Hip replacement surgery helps relieve pain in the hip joint caused by damage from osteoarthritis. It can also strengthen the bones which were fractured earlier due to any accidental event.

Osteoporosis is a severe problem, but steps can be taken to prevent or reduce the pace of its progression.

You can start by ensuring that your lifestyle is helping retain the health of your bones. The mineral calcium is essential for keeping your bones strong, so ensure you get enough calcium in your meals. You should also take in enough vitamin D and exercise on a regular basis.

If you already have osteoporosis, there are steps you can take to keep it from worsening. Discuss with your doctor about treatments that could slow down the progression of the disease, such as bisphosphonates or parathyroid hormone (PTH). You may also look at options like weight-bearing exercises or taking calcium supplements.