What to do about osteoporosis pain?

Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

Updated on October 23, 2024

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After osteoporosis leads to pain, we first need to clarify which part of the body the pain is located, or what causes the pain. If the pain is solely due to osteoporosis, such as decreased bone density in the limbs causing soreness and weakness, it is appropriate to supplement with calcium and vitamin D while also enhancing exercise to alleviate the pain. If the pain is due to fractures caused by osteoporosis, such as vertebral compression fractures or rib fractures, the fractures should first be repositioned, immobilized, and stabilized. Additionally, medications that treat osteoporosis should be used, such as those that inhibit bone resorption and promote bone formation.

Other Voices

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Written by Li Jie

Orthopedics

51sec

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Can osteoporosis be treated with moxibustion?

Osteoporosis can manifest as pain in the lumbar and back areas, as well as in the joints. Moxibustion, with its effects of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, reducing swelling, and relieving pain, can alleviate these symptoms. However, to thoroughly treat osteoporosis, a causative treatment is necessary, which means taking oral medications specifically for osteoporosis, such as bisphosphonates, estrogen modulators, and calcitonin. These are some of the common medications used. Also, it is important to supplement with calcium and vitamin D, and get plenty of sunlight. Only then can osteoporosis be thoroughly cured through causative treatment. While moxibustion is effective, it does not solve the fundamental issue and is just one of the methods to relieve symptoms.

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Written by Xie Yi Song

Orthopedics

1min 36sec

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How to check for osteoporosis?

How is osteoporosis diagnosed? There are several methods currently used for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. One method is X-ray examination, which usually only detects severe cases of osteoporosis and also depends on the amount of radiation used, making it seldom used in clinical settings. Another method is ultrasound testing, referred to as ultrasound bone density testing. It typically examines areas like the heel or the wrist. However, ultrasound bone density can have significant inaccuracies, so it is used more as a screening tool rather than for precise diagnosis. The third method is a bone density scanner. This is currently the simplest and most effective method to diagnose osteoporosis. It involves measuring the Relative Vertebral Density (RVD), where a normal value of 1 indicates that the vertebral body density is higher than that of the intervertebral disc. An RVD value of 0 indicates that the vertebral body density is the same as the intervertebral disc density, which signifies osteoporosis. If the RVD is less than 0, it shows that the vertebral body density is less than that of the intervertebral disc, pointing to severe osteoporosis. The bone density scanning method is very straightforward. The patient simply places a foot or arm inside the machine, and the computer quickly provides the bone density measurement, which is more accurate and cost-effective compared to other diagnostic methods.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

49sec

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What are the symptoms of osteoporosis in women?

Symptoms of osteoporosis in women generally include the following: The first is pain, which can be localized back pain or generalized pain throughout the body. The second is spinal deformity, which is often manifested by bending and hunching over, as well as some individuals appearing shorter than before—these conditions are also caused by osteoporosis, leading to reduced bone strength and vertebral deformity. The third is brittle fractures, which occur because osteoporosis leads to a reduction in bone mass, making the bones less sturdy. Even a minor external force can cause a fracture, for example, a simple fall might result in a distal radius fracture. Thus, the basic symptoms of osteoporosis in women include pain, spinal deformity, and brittle fractures.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan

Endocrinology

44sec

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What should I do about osteoporosis?

Once osteoporosis is diagnosed, the first step is to change lifestyle habits. For example, if someone likes to drink strong tea and coffee and dislikes exercise, these unhealthy habits should be changed. Additionally, it's beneficial to get more sun exposure, and to supplement the treatment with calcium and vitamin D. Then, it is necessary to visit the hospital and consult a specialized clinic for osteoporosis or the department of metabolic endocrinology for targeted medical intervention, to prevent the condition from worsening and avoid fractures.

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Written by Zhou Yan

Geriatrics

46sec

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How to Prevent Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a common aging-related disease closely associated with aging. The symptoms of osteoporosis can be alleviated and the progression of bone hyperplasia can be prevented through the following methods: proper lifestyle, a balanced diet rich in calcium, low in salt, and with adequate protein, appropriate outdoor activities and sunlight exposure, and engaging in physical exercises beneficial for bone health. Avoid smoking and excessive drinking, and use medications that affect bone metabolism with caution. Additionally, supplementing with calcium and vitamin D can promote bone health, maintain muscle strength, and improve body stability.