Symptoms, Causes and Treatments of Senile Osteoporosis
Senile osteoporosis, also referred to as degenerative osteoporosis, occurs as a result of aging and wear and tear on the bones.
The mineral composition of bone changes with advancing age. Bone matrix, the framework of the skeletal cells, becomes weaker and thinner. The inside of the bones take on a lacey appearance, weakening and becoming subject to fracture. Senile osteoporosis is classified as a systemic condition.
Senile osteoporosis is twice as common among women than men, and beginning after menopause in women. Clinically significant changes usually become apparent in women between 70 and 75 of age. Men are usually diagnosed after the age of 75.
The rate of bone loss is greatest in the spine. Fractures of the vertebrae and hip may cause permanent debility. The condition is diagnosed with the aid of imaging, blood, and urine tests.
Signs of Senile Osteoporosis
Low back pain is common, and may radiate from the back outwardly. Back pain is worse when standing, especially for prolonged periods, and is usually relieved by lying down. Fractures in the mid-back may occur spontaneously. Pain may suddenly appear and be sharp; or it may be chronic and nagging.
A person may lose height. A hump, called a dowager’s hump, may appear on the back and the ribcage may become deformed. With structural changes and discomfort, breathing may be restricted. A person who has senile osteoporosis is also more likely to develop lung diseases, related to poor ventilation and immobility. Fractures of the hip or spine may occur with minor trauma or no provocation.
What Causes Senile Osteoporosis?
New bone formation slows with increasing age, and the rate by which old bone cells are reabsorbed increases. This is affected by a decrease in hormone levels.
Additionally, the use of medications and the presence of health problems increases as people grow older, and these things may interfere with how the body uses nutrients needed for bone health. Some medications and health conditions prevent absorption of minerals. Collagen formation may become impaired.
Many older people have poor diets, taking in inadequate amounts of calcium, vitamin D, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients and therefore not providing the body with the tools that it needs to produce healthy bones.
