How to Overcome Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that afflicts your bones. Over time your bones eventually become brittle and weak. As a result, they become more susceptible to fractures and breaks, especially the bones within your spine, hips and wrists. Though the disease commonly affects women, according to the Mayo Clinic, men can be diagnosed with osteoporosis also. A change in lifestyle habits and a regimen of medications can be used to overcome osteoporosis.

Things You'll Need

• Medications as prescribed by physician
• Vitamin D
• Calcium supplements

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Instructions

Bisphosphonates

• 1

  Take bisphosphonates such as alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate, or zoledronic acid for your osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates can help slow down the progression of bone loss. This is important after menopause since your body is incapable of producing the hormones necessary to make your bones strong.

• 2

  Discuss your dosing options with your physician. Bisphosphonates can be given orally or injected into your veins. If you easily forget to take medications, discuss the option of taking a bisphosphonate intravenously.

• 3

  Discuss with your physician potential side effects you may experience when taking bisphosphonates. Side effects such as severe nausea, abdominal pain, and acid reflux need to be immediately reported to your physician to determine if you have an ulcer as a result of taking a bisphosphonate.

Other Medications & Therapy

• 4

  Discuss with your physician about possibly taking an estrogen receptor modulator, such as raloxifene. Estrogen receptor modulators mimic the effects of estrogen for your body. Medications such as raloxifene may help strengthen your bones.

• 5

  Ask about calcitonin. Calcitonin helps to slow down the progression of bone loss. The drug can also treat pain associated with fractures that result from osteoporosis.

• 6

  Try hormone therapy. You can try teriparatide, a hormone that can reduce your chances of developing fractures. Tamoxifen is a synthetic hormone that can also be given to reduce the development of fractures.

• 7

  Try physical therapy if you have osteoporosis. Physical therapy for your back can reduce symptoms of pain, improve your posture, and reduce your chances of falling when you have a curvature in your spine. Ask your physician to refer you to a specialist who can help with your therapy.