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28. July 2021
Our skeleton loses strength with age. If bone density decreases excessively, this is known as osteoporosis. Statistically speaking, every second woman and every fifth man over the age of 50 suffers a bone fracture - caused by osteoporosis. The problem lies in the gradual loss of bone density, which can take years and can often have serious consequences. The assessment and individual treatment of this most common skeletal disease is an important focus of the Rheumatology and Pain Medicine Clinic at Bethesda Hospital.
In Switzerland, around 400,000 people are affected by the disease, mostly older people; the female sex predominates due to hormonal changes during the menopause. However, due to increasing life expectancy, men also suffer from osteoporosis nowadays. Although the decline in bone density is a physiological process that begins in women during the menopause, it often only manifests itself years later in the form of a fracture. "Hereditary factors, smoking, hormonal disorders and certain medications, such as long-term cortisone treatment, can accelerate this reduction process," explains Dr Anna Thoma, Deputy Head of Rheumatology and Pain Medicine at Bethesda Hospital. The decline in bone density goes unnoticed, and the diagnosis is often only made when a fracture occurs. Vertebral body fractures can occur without any external force, such as a fall, and present with acute pain in the back. However, fractures in the thoracic or lumbar spine can also occur unnoticed, but then lead to unfavourable statics or a deformity of the spine over time.
«Hereditary factors, smoking, hormonal disorders and certain medications, such as long-term cortisone treatment, can accelerate the degradation process.»
To prevent this from happening, an osteoporosis assessment is recommended for women aged 50 and over, which usually consists of a bone density measurement and the identification of current or previous risk factors for a fracture. Bethesda Hospital has a modern infrastructure and the necessary experience for this. The daily calcium intake is determined during the medical consultation. As calcium is the most important building material for bones, a calcium-rich diet should be ensured from an early age, but also with increasing age. Adults need between 1000 and 1200 mg of calcium per day, with dairy products providing the highest calcium content. Just one cup of yoghurt covers almost a quarter of the daily requirement. Other sources of calcium are green vegetables, tofu, nuts, seeds and calcium-rich mineral water. Bone "capital" should already be built up during growth and strengthened in adulthood.
«Even advanced osteoporosis can be treated successfully.»
An adequate supply of vitamin D, which is produced in the body through sunlight on the skin, is very important. "Regular exercise in the fresh air and refraining from smoking or excessive alcohol consumption are lifestyle factors that can be influenced," explains Dr Thoma. If osteoporosis has been diagnosed, medication can also be used. "Nowadays, we have various effective preparations at our disposal so that treatment can be customised to the patient. Even advanced osteoporosis can be treated successfully." Another important pillar of the treatment plan is the prevention of falls. To this end, Bethesda Hospital offers various exercise classes, in particular osteoporosis gymnastics. The regular meetings and dialogue with other sufferers are particularly appreciated.
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