More than 10 million U.S. residents suffer from osteoporosis, a form of arthritis characterized by deterioration of the bones. Many don't know they have osteoporosis until pain sets in, often following a fracture. The best way to deal with osteoporosis pain is to stop it before it starts, but modern medicine offers several ways to control osteoporosis pain once it becomes a daily problem.
Identification
You know when you are in pain, but only a qualified doctor using modern diagnostic tools can tell you if osteoporosis is the cause. Compare your history with well-known risk factors to get a general idea if osteoporosis is likely to be the cause of your pain. Risk factors include:
* Insufficient dietary calcium
* Inactive lifestyle
* Prolonged use of medications or excessive alcohol use
* Smoking
* Family history of osteoporosis.
Among the 44 million people in the U.S. at risk for osteoporosis, most--68 percent--are women.
Prevention
Get plenty of calcium to avoid onset of osteoporosis. Dietary needs change throughout your lifetime, so check with a doctor, a nutritionist or a reliable publication to see if you're getting enough in your diet. Doctors often recommend calcium supplements.
Vitamin D plays another important role in bone health. A few minutes in the sunshine every day can get you all of the "sunshine vitamin" you need. While you're out in the sun, you can enjoy some moderate exercise, another widely recommended preventive measure.
Also check for risk-enhancing factors. If you smoke, drink alcohol or take prescription medications, ask your doctor if these might be increasing your risk for osteoporosis pain.
If you know you have osteoporosis, avoid physical activities that can damage fragile bones and cause pain. Be especially careful to avoid falls, which can fracture bones weakened by osteoporosis.
Self-Care Treatments
You can employ coping strategies to reduce the sensation of arthritis pain. Hot packs and hot showers or cold packs and ice can help relieve the pain. Relaxation practice, distractions such as watching TV or talking to a friend and therapy to reduce emotional stress can also help.
When pain becomes too much to cope with, over-the-counter medications often provide the first line of defense. Aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen are most widely used, but they also can cause side effects including stomach irritation and bleeding.
Medical Treatments
Doctors prescribe narcotic drugs for short-term treatment of osteoporosis pain. Be careful, though. Long-term use can lead to addiction, and you often need more and more of the same drug to get the same effect.
A physician may also recommend other drugs intended to prevent bone loss or to control pain. Only your doctor can balance your personal medical needs with the right medication, but a review of popular literature can help you answer questions and find questions you might want to ask your doctor.
Alternative Treatments
Preliminary research at 16 U.S. medical centers found that patients with moderate to severe osteoporosis pain who took glucosamine and chondroitin supplements reduced their pain as much as those who took the prescription arthritis-pain reliever Celecoxib. The University of Utah School of Medicine coordinated the Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial, now widely known as GAIT. Find these supplements on the shelves of most pharmacies, nutrition centers and grocery stores.
Consider physical therapy or exercise. These activities can increase your body's natural painkillers, known as endorphins. Massage therapy provides relief for many by increasing blood flow and relaxing stiff muscles. Acupuncture and acupressure also find wide acceptance around the world for treatment of osteoporosis pain.
Tags: osteoporosis pain, your doctor, have osteoporosis, osteoporosis pain, risk osteoporosis