In osteoporosis, a disease more common in women, there is a progressive decrease in the bone density of the entire skeleton. This is due to the "leaching out" of bone tissue of mineral substances due to the violation of metabolic processes in the body. The following parts of the skeleton are most prone to pathology:
- spine;
- the neck of the thigh;
- thoracic department;
- radius.
Osteoporosis in women - signs
At the initial stage, the disease runs unnoticed for the patient, which is his danger. The first signs of osteoporosis often appear even when changes in bone tissue become practically irreversible. As the disease progresses, the symptoms are as follows:
- aching back pain, appearing more often due to a small physical exertion or prolonged stay in one position, lying or sitting;
- leg cramps in the legs and feet, which usually occur at night;
- pain in the bones, sternum and loin;
- increased brittleness of nails;
- signs of periodontal disease;
- cardiopalmus;
- increased fatigue.
More obvious signs of osteoporosis are:
- decrease in growth (more than 1 - 1.5 cm);
- stoop, curvature of the spine;
- frequent, long-growing fractures of bones;
- early graying of hair .
The main sign of osteoporosis of the hip is the fracture of the neck of the hip. Particularly difficult is the disease with such localization carried over by the elderly, it can lead to immobilization and even fatal.
The main sign of osteoporosis of the spine is the curvature of the vertebral column. It is explained by the fact that weakened fragile vertebrae become deformed and wedge-shaped in shape. As a result, the curvature of the spine increases and the growth decreases. Increasing the load on the lower back leads to muscle pain.
Diagnosis of Osteoporosis
With the help of ordinary radiography it is impossible to detect osteoporosis at an early stage. X-ray signs of osteoporosis become noticeable only when the density of bone tissue is reduced four or more times. Early osteoporosis can be detected by means of computer or magnetic resonance imaging techniques that allow to see foci of bone density reduction.
An exemplary method for osteoporosis is densitometry, which is performed by means of an x-ray or ultrasound beam. In this case, the mass and density of bone tissue is evaluated.