Brittle bone disease or Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by the loss of density of the bone making it fragile. This disorder usually weakens the bone of the skeleton and causes an increase in the risk of fracture in the bones. This disorder is commonly seen in older people, especially in women.

The normal bone is composed of protein, collagen and calcium which gives the bones its strength and required nutrients.

Bones that are affected by osteoporosis are at high risk of facture because of its losing density.

Bones can be maintained strong by having a regular intake of calcium and vitamin D supplements. One should also do regular exercise or at least mild exercise like walking to maintain the health. If one is addicted to smoking, it should also be avoided as it is the fastest way to destroy the nutrients that is acquired by the body.

Symptoms

Initially, the symptoms are silent. The bones lose its mineral contents gradually and over years it becomes severe so the symptoms cannot be assessed in the early stage of the disease and are aware only when they suffer from a painful fracture.

Fractures of the spine can cause severe band like pain that radiates from the back to the side of the body. Repeated spine fractures can cause pain in the lower back of the body as well as loss of height and curving of the spine that gives a hunch back appearance.

The patients suffering from osteoporosis can also develop hip fractures that can take place even due to trivial accidents. This kind of fracture is difficult to heal after surgical repair because of poor bone quality.

This kind of disorder can be a cause for severe complications causing hazards to the health. They suffer from considerable pain and loss their ability to work efficiently in their day to day life.

Those who are at bed rest due to a hip fracture can develop further complications. Such kind of patients when at bed rest constantly can develop clot in the leg veins and this can travel to the lungs and can cause pulmonary embolism.

To maintain healthy bones

To maintain the healthy bones, three factors are essential and this when followed from childhood or young age onwards can maintain healthy bones throughout the life.

• Regular exercise

• Intake of adequate amounts of calcium (it is better to acquire calcium from the natural sources than the supplements)

• Adequate intake of vitamin D, which is essential for absorbing calcium

• Exposure to sunlight (In some houses, they deliberately prevent the sunrays to come inside the house and cover it with curtains – this is a very wrong practice and we are inviting disease by preventing sun rays to come in)

Risk factors

• The older the person, he is at risk of developing the disease.

• Sex – it is commonly seen in women than in men.

• Family history – those who have a family history of the disease are at greater risk in developing the disease.

• Those who have a sedentary life style are at greater risk of the disease.

• Tobacco chewing and smoking

• Those who suffer from depression

Prevention

One can prevent the susceptibility to osteoporosis be maintaining a health dietary habit and lifestyle. One should have a regular exercise and avoid intake of too much of junk and fried foods as age advances. Always maintain a good posture. Avoid too much of caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and smoking. these are considered to be nutrient robbers.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of osteoporosis can be made by bone mineral density test. Other tests that can accurately measure bone density are Ultrasound and CT scanning.

Herbal Pack for Bone loss or Osteoporosis

There are certain Ayurvedic Medicines that are useful in treating osteoporosis are Shallaki, Nirgundi, Dashamoola, pravala Panchamrut ras, Rasna etc.

• Ashwagandha – 2 capsules twice daily after meals

• Joint Aid plus – 2 capsules twice daily after meals

• Lakshadi guggulu – 2 tablets twice daily before meals with plain water