Secondary Osteoporosis: What You Need To Know

Secondary osteoporosis is a condition in which certain diseases and treatments interfere with your bone density, causing bone loss.

Treatment for the condition involves addressing the underlying medical condition or treatment that is causing such changes. It is important to know that there are other methods to help reduce bone loss, prevent fractures, and strengthen bones.

What Exactly Are The Symptoms Of The Condition?

If you have osteoporosis, you usually won’t experience any symptoms. In most cases, osteoporosis goes undetected for many years and doesn’t get diagnosed until you break a bone. Common bone fractures that are related to osteoporosis include fractures of the wrist, spine, and hip. Occasionally, you may see symptoms associated with a gradual collapse of the weakened bones in your spine.

Symptoms may include:

A painful backache due to compression fractures in the spine
A gradual loss of height
Kyphosis: in which you develop a stopped posture because your upper back becomes curved

Back pain is common with osteoporosis of the spine. You may experience pain and tenderness for quite a while.

What Causes Secondary Osteoporosis?

There are several medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and medications that can cause secondary osteoporosis. In addition, some common medical disorders that can contribute to secondary osteoporosis include endocrine or hormonal imbalance conditions.

Liver or chronic kidney diseases can also cause secondary osteoporosis. In addition, rheumatoid arthritis and many eating disorders can also be a cause of getting the condition.

Medications that may cause the development of secondary osteoporosis include:

Hormone treatments
Lithium-there are drugs that contain lithium to treat bipolar disorders
Chemotherapy treatments
Corticosteroids

If you drink an excessive amount of alcohol, smoke, or don’t consume enough vitamin D and calcium, you may also cause yourself to get the condition.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Your rheumatologists will use a variety of tests to diagnose for the condition, including:

Bloodwork: This will help measure calcium, alkaline phosphatase, creatine, vitamin D, and phosphorous

X-rays: Taking X-rays can help diagnose osteoporosis vertebral fracture in those who are symptomatic or are at high risk.

Bone density testing: This test is the most accurate method for diagnosing osteoporosis.

How Is It Treated?

While there isn’t a cure, you can make lifestyle changes and medications to treat secondary osteoporosis. Consult with an expert rheumatologist about the best lifestyle changes and medications you need to help treat the condition.

Do you need help to treat secondary osteoporosis?

If you need help treating secondary osteoporosis, you have come to the right place! Rheumatology Care Of North Houston is here to help with all of your Rhemutolgoy needs! We are your local rheumatologist in Houston, Texas, and we want to ensure you have a rheumatologist that sincerely cares about helping you and your loved ones! For more information, visit our website today at www.rheumatologycarehouston.com . In addition, you can also call us at 832-538-9779 .