Bone decalcification, bone loss, bone fragility, decalcification of the bone, calcium, calcium, vertebral fracture
Definition
Osteoporosis, also called bone loss, is a disease of the skeletal system in which bone substances and structures are lost or greatly reduced. This reduction in bone mass causes the tissue structure of the bone to deteriorate and it loses stability and elasticity. As a result, the bones become more susceptible to fractures; in extreme cases, a fracture can even occur without a fall.
Due to the increased risk of fracture, the bone can collapse (sinter). This is particularly evident in the area of the vertebral bodies through visible changes. One example is the so-called “widow’s hump”, which can be seen especially in older women and can, under certain circumstances, lead to severe limitations in mobility.
MedicinesCalciumCalcium:A sufficient supply of calcium is absolutely essential for healthy bones. Various studies have shown that a person with an average diet takes only half the recommended daily dose of calcium calcium. An undersupply can usually be eliminated by means of calcium-rich nutrition.
An increased need for calcium can be determined during pregnancy, the breastfeeding period, but also during the menopause. Since this is in addition to the usually anyway border-value calcium supply, this strong need should be covered additionally by calcium preparations. The recommended calcium dose is at least 1000 mg calcium per day.
Vitamin D: An undersupply of vitamins always leads to deficiency symptoms. Since vitamin D regulates the absorption of calcium from food and is formed in the body under sun exposure, a vitamin D deficiency usually occurs in winter months or if the amount of time spent outdoors is too low. If one strengthens the supply of vitamin D with vitamin D preparations in such a way specified, it should be considered that these should be supplied only with small sun exposure and in a small dose.
This makes sense for example for bedridden patients. The recommended dose is then 800 IE (international units) Vitamin D per day. Bisphosphonates:Osteoblasts are cells that perform bone-building or bone-destroying functions.
The administration of bisphosphonates inhibits the activity of the osteoblasts that break down bone, but the activity of the osteoblasts that build bone remains active. Consequently, therapy with bisphosphonates results in an increase in bone mass. The load-bearing structure (trabecular structure) remains intact, so that the newly formed bone mass corresponds to the natural bone substance.
Such a process can only be successful if bisphonates, e.g. Fosamax, are administered without interruption over a longer period of time (?= 3 years). How long the treatment must be continued in each individual case is decided by the doctor. One drug from the group of bisphonates is Fosamax with the active ingredient alendronate.
Fosamax is taken as a tablet either once a week 70 mg or daily 10 mg. Oestrogen:Numerous studies have shown that the administration of oestrogen can reduce the risk of bone loss in post-menopausal women. However, to be effective, such preparations must be taken for at least five years. It should be mentioned at this point that hormone preparations can increase the risk of cancer, especially breast cancer.
However, menopausal symptoms are reduced by the administration of estrogen. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) have an effect on bone structure in the same way as estrogens. They are also thought to have a protective function for the heart and circulation.
On the negative side, unlike the hormones, SERMs most probably have no positive influence on the typical “menopausal symptoms”. Calcitonin:Calcitonins counteract bone resorption, are anti-resorptive, so to speak, and have an additional pain-relieving (= analgesic) effect. Unfortunately, they are also not free of side effects.
In individual cases reddening of the skin and/or nausea with vomiting may occur. Fluoride:In contrast to the so-called bisphosphonates, fluorides stimulate the activity of those osteoblasts that are responsible for bone formation (=osteoanabolic effectiveness). The dosage is very important here: too high a dosage reduces bone quality and stability.Through the administration of fluorides, the newly formed bone material no longer matches the natural substance.
It is important to mention that fluorides must always be given in combination with calcium so that the newly formed bone can be sufficiently mineralized again. A side effect of this therapy is the occurrence of bone and joint pain, which usually disappears quickly if the treatment is interrupted. Fluoride therapy should not be carried out for more than two to three years without interruption. Vibration training:In the meantime it has been proven that regular vibration training can improve osteoporosis.
