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Osteoporosis in Bakersfield & Newport Beach

Any health issues with the human skeletal system can lead to significant changes in one’s quality of life. Osteoporosis is one such condition, which can be problematic on its own, but it also puts you at risk for serious injury. At Paragon Health Group, we work with patients to manage and improve symptoms of osteoporosis, allowing them to take back a sense of well-being and control over their lives.

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that affects the bones, influencing the density, strength, and structure of bones throughout the body. In mild cases, some patients may never notice they have the condition. However, for many patients, this condition results in a significant increase in the risk of bone injuries such as breaks and fractures. In patients with more progressed versions of the disease, this bone fragility can lead to breaks from even the mildest of strains, such as coughing or bending over.

Risk Factors for Developing Osteoporosis

While there is no single risk factor that guarantees developing osteoporosis, several factors together may place you in a more at-risk portion of the population. Some of the factors are due to aspects out of one’s control, but others can be avoided through lifestyle changes. Some risk factors include:

Sex: female patients appear to have a higher risk
Age: increased age naturally weakens the bones
Genetics: a family history can be an indicator
Eating disorders: e.g., anorexia nervosa
Nutrition deficiencies: chronic low intake of calcium and vitamin D can increase risk
Medications: medication such as glucocorticosteroids and others can result in lost bone density
Unhealthy habits: alcohol, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle choices can increase one’s risk

Signs You Have Osteoporosis

One of the difficulties in diagnosing osteoporosis is that it may prevent little to no symptoms until a bone breaks or is otherwise damaged. However, there are a few subtle signs that can point to progression of osteoporosis in patients. If you have any of the increased risk factors of osteoporosis, we recommend visiting a bone specialist if you notice:

Gradual onset of severe back pain
Loss in height
Changes in posture due to spine malformation

How Do We Treat Osteoporosis?

Unfortunately, there is no complete cure for this bone disease, but managing the condition is easier now than it has ever been. The two main methods of managing osteoporosis in our patients include consistent supplement intake and diet modifications. Additionally, there are some medications available that can slow the rate of bone loss, such as bisphosphonates. These help prevent core bone structures such as the hips and spine from becoming too susceptible to breaks or fractures.

Which Osteoporosis Treatment Is Right for Me?

Choosing the right path toward mitigating the effects of osteoporosis is vital in managing the disease. Factors such as age, genetics, and progression of the disease all come into play when building a plan to treat patients effectively. The first step is to visit Paragon Health Group and have a medical consultation with one of our leading physicians. Taking into account the entire picture of the patient’s health and situation, we can personalize their treatment structure. Some patients may be fine with only diet changes, while others may need more involved medical intervention.

Preventing the Development of Osteoporosis

There is no guaranteed way to prevent osteoporosis, but taking certain steps can help patients to reduce their risk or limit the progression of the disease. Eliminating risk factors such as smoking or drinking can go a significant way in maintaining healthy bones. Additionally, incorporating proactive healthy lifestyle choices, such as a nutritional diet and higher levels of activity, into one’s life can create lasting benefits.

When it comes to diet, it is vital not to simply cut out foods or restrict your intake. A limited diet and poor nutrition can actually increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. Instead, be sure to have a balanced diet that contains recommended amounts for your age and body of calcium and vitamin D.

Schedule Your Visit Today

The sooner you take steps to manage the progression of osteoporosis, the better your chance of a beneficial outcome. By slowing bone loss, you can preserve much of your lifestyle and the activities that may make up your qualifying life. Contact Paragon Health Group to learn more about our methods for treating osteoporosis in Newport Beach and Bakersfield. Call us or use our online form to learn more and start working with a specialist.