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5 Myths and Misconceptions about Osteoporosis

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8/14/2019 5 Myths and Misconceptions about Osteoporosis

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5 Myths and Misconceptions about Osteoporosis

1) Osteopenia is the same as Osteoporosis.

False. Osteopenia is not the same as osteoporosis; it is defined as the thinning of bone mass. Themedical community ascertains that it is a serious risk factor for osteoporosis, and a greater num-

ber of Americans suffer from osteopenia than osteoporosis. In simple terms, it can be thought of 

as an intermediary step classified between those with healthy bone mass and those who suffer

from osteoporosis; individuals with osteopenia have thinning bone mass but have more bone

mass than a person with osteoporosis.

2) Only old women suffer from osteoporosis and bone loss in general.

False. Those who suffer from osteopenia are often over the age of fifty, but younger individualsare not exempt from this group. However, the misconception that only older women suffer from

loss of bone density is entirely untrue. Both men and women of all ages can and do get osteo-

porosis, as well as osteopenia. In fact, the International Osteoporosis Foundation states that one

in five men suffer from osteoporosis, as do one in three women.

3) Only individuals over the age of fifty should take preventative measures to avoid getting

osteoporosis.

It is particularly imperative to know that this myth about osteoporosis is false. Many of the pre-ventative measures that you can take to avoid osteoporosis are especially effective at a young age,

as this is the stage when bone mass is built at its highest rate. The bones in your body reach their

peak bone mass when you are about twenty years old. Throughout adulthood, your body main-

tains bone mass through a process of re-absorption followed by re-creation. As you reach an

older age, your body fails to create as much bone mass as it absorbs. For this reason, achieving

the highest possible bone density before adulthood is an effectual safeguard against osteoporosis.

4) The only way to prevent osteoporosis is by consuming a sufficient amount of calcium.

False. Calcium is a critical element in the prevention of osteoporosis but not the only way to en-

sure healthy, sufficient bone mass. Exercise, particularly high-impact and weight bearing exer-

cise such as running, jogging, tennis, etc., as well as resistance training help build mass and

strengthen bones. Vitamin D, derived from foods and sunlight, is also essential to building bone

mass as it facilitates calcium absorption. Avoiding excessive alcohol and smoking, which can de-

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plete bone mass, is another preventative measure. Overall healthy nutrition, and sufficient pro-

tein intake is another step to follow in order to ward of osteoporosis and osteopenia.

5) Preventative measures against osteoporosis are only effective before an individualreaches old age.

False. Though preventative practices are especially effective before the age of twenty, following

the tips listed above will still always help combat osteoporosis. Exercise, in particular, can aid

elderly people since it builds muscle tone and balance that will help prevent falls that can further

damage bones. Even in those who already have osteoporosis or osteopenia, exercise will prevent

bone loss and even relieve pain, an associative symptom of the disease.

Spine Universe | Osteoporosis