How Does Osteoporosis Affect the Skeletal System?

Osteoporosis is one of the most prevalent conditions in developed countries and has a significant impact on the elderly. As the American population ages and life spans increase, more instances of this condition are identified. Understanding how osteoporosis affects the skeletal system is a key step in devising strategies to combat it.

The Facts

• The bones in the human skeletal system are not solid material but are instead composed of an elaborate matrix with varying degrees of density. The density of the bone matrices indicate the overall strength of the bone. Bones serve as a repository for minerals that lend strength to the bone and are harvested for metabolic functions and restored in a process called bone remodeling. As the body ages, some bone material is lost as a result of harvesting more bone than is restored, causing bone density to decrease.

Innate Risk Factors

• Risk factors in the American population for osteoporosis include a number of innate biological characteristics that identify certain groups as more prone to osteoporosis than others. Women have a greater risk than men due at least in part to the fact that women have greater life spans than men and advanced age is a risk factor. According to Women's Health Weekly from July of 2009 a study of "24,783 participants, estimated fracture risk was highest for Caucasian women." It is important to note however that all ethnic groups can develop osteoporosis. Another important biological risk factor is menopause. The Canadian Medical Association Journal reported study findings in 2008 indicating that osteoporotic bone loss "was greatest among women aged 50-54 who were transitioning from premenopause to postmenopause."

Complicating Factors

• A number of additional factors that further influence osteoporosis include weight, lifestyle and diet. The degree to which these factors affect osteoporosis is a function of the choices made by each individual. Many American diets are deficient in mineral nutrients essential for bone health. Without sufficient intake of calcium, magnesium, and other trace minerals, the natural decrease in bone density resulting from the aging process is accelerated. Dietary deficiencies can also be exacerbated by ingesting significant quantities of phosphorus-containing drinks such as soda since phosophorus and calcium compete for absorption. Dietary selections also influence weight. Heavier individuals that are active tend to maintain bone density at rates higher than those with slight builds, provided they are ingesting sufficient bone-building materials.

Bone Strength

• Bones with osteoporosis possess matrices that are sparse and subject to breakage. Weight-bearing bones such as vertebra, hips and legs are particularly at risk. Researchers have found that bone loss is particularly rapid in the hips. The neck of the femur is often the point at which osteoporosis is manifested.

Considerations

• Bone density tests are safe and reliable ways to determine bone health. Osteroporosis presents serious risks but it does not have to be a permanent condition, and many prescription and natural treatments are available. Treatments often involve the use of calcium supplements and dietary changes, but before beginning a calcium regimen, it is important to discuss the situation with a qualified practitioner. Women who are menopausal have additional factors to consider and are most at risk for rapid bone loss, so it is important to review all of the available options.