In the rest of this guide, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for back pain.

Causes of Back Pain

Back pain can result from several causes. Some of the most common causes of back pain include:

1. Poor posture: Sitting or standing in a slouched position can put a strain on the back muscles and lead to pain.
2. Muscle strain: Lifting heavy objects or making sudden movements can cause muscle strain in the back, leading to pain.
3. Injury: A fall, car accident, or sports injury can cause damage to the back, leading to pain.
4. Herniated disc: A herniated or slipped disc occurs when the soft tissue inside the spinal disc protrudes out and puts pressure on the nerves in the back, leading to pain.
5. Arthritis: Arthritis can cause inflammation in the joints in the back, leading to pain.
6. Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to become brittle and weak, making them more susceptible to fractures and pain.

Symptoms of Back Pain

The symptoms of back pain can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms of back pain include:

1. Pain in the lower or upper back that can be sharp or dull.
2. Stiffness in the back.
3. Limited range of motion in the back.
4. Tingling or numbness in the back or legs.
5. Muscle spasms.
6. Weakness in the legs or feet.

Treatment Options for Back Pain

There are several treatment options for back pain, depending on the cause and severity of the pain. Some of the most common treatment options include:

1. Rest: Resting the back can help alleviate pain and allow the muscles to heal. It is essential to avoid prolonged bed rest as it can lead to muscle weakness and slow down the healing process.
2. Heat or ice: Applying heat or ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Applying heat can help relax the muscles, while applying ice can help numb the pain and reduce inflammation.
3. Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate pain. Prescription medications like muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, or opioids can be prescribed for severe pain.
4. Physical therapy: A physical therapist can work with you to develop exercises to help strengthen the muscles in the back and improve flexibility. Physical therapy can help relieve pain, improve posture, and prevent future episodes of back pain.
5. Alternative therapies: Alternative therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage therapy can help alleviate back pain and improve overall health.
6. Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying issue causing the back pain. Surgery is usually considered after other treatment options have failed, and the pain has become severe and debilitating.

Preventing Back Pain

Preventing back pain is essential to maintain good spinal health. Here are some tips to prevent back pain:

1. Maintaining good posture: Make sure to sit and stand with good posture to help prevent strain on the back. Good posture can help keep the spine in alignment, reducing the risk of injury.
2. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help strengthen the muscles in the back, reducing the risk of injury. It can also help improve flexibility and reduce the risk of developing chronic pain.
3. Lift properly: When lifting heavy objects, make sure to use proper lifting techniques to avoid strain on the back. Bend your knees and use your legs, not your back, to lift the weight.
4. Take breaks: If you sit or stand for prolonged periods, make sure to take breaks and stretch to alleviate tension in the back muscles.
5. Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put a strain on the back muscles and increase the risk of developing back pain. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help reduce this risk.

Conclusion

Back pain is a common condition that can be caused by several factors. While the severity of back pain can range from mild discomfort to severe and debilitating pain, there are several treatment options available, including rest, medication, physical therapy, and surgery.

Prevention is also key to maintaining good spinal health, and simple changes like maintaining good posture, exercising regularly, lifting properly, and taking breaks can go a long way in preventing back pain.

If you experience back pain, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. With proper care and prevention, it is possible to manage back pain and maintain good spinal health.

Osteoarthritis (OA), also called degenerative joint disease, degenerative arthritis or arthrosis, is characterised by progressive wear or degeneration of the articular cartilage, which is found on the articulating end of bones located in joints. It is the most common type of joint disease, caused by inflammation of the articular cartilage.

Compare the Osteoarthritis with the Normal Joint

What are the Causes of Osteoarthritis?

Degenerative joint disease is caused by the breakdown of the articular cartilage. Normally, the cells of the articular cartilage (chondrocytes) are responsible for the fabrication of collagen (specifically collagen type II) of which the cartilage is composed of.

Chondrocytes are also responsible for the degradation of old and worn-out cells, by the release of special chemicals, called proteoglycans. This healthy articular cartilage acts as a cushion to allow frictionless movement of the joint.

An imbalance in the support system provided by the chondrocytes leads to an increased deterioration and decreased regeneration of the collagen, which is essential to maintain a healthy joint. With time, the articular cartilage wears away, allowing bone to rub against bone which causes friction and pain.

Osteoarthritis can also cause inflammation of the synovial membrane (which is the membrane that lines the joint space), connective tissues and tendons of the joint.

Which Joints are Affected by Osteoarthritis?

Primarily, the joints affected are weight-bearing joints. These are:

• Knee, which is the most common site due to repeated stress and injury.
• Hip.
• Hands.
• The spine.
• Foot and ankle joints.

Epidemiology of Osteoarthritis

In majority of cases, arthrosis is associated with increasing age and this is normally termed as primary osteoarthritis. When arthrosis occurs in younger people, it is termed secondary osteoarthritis because, it is usually as a result of an underlying condition such as repeated injury to the joint (common in athletes), deformation of the joint and diabetes.

Women over 55 years are also more affected than men as a result of decreasing oestrogen levels.

Risk Factors of Osteoarthritis

Advancing Age

Naturally, the articular cartilage wears away with age due to constant use of the joint.

Obesity

Increased weight puts excessive pressure on the joints and may cause subsequent wear of the articular cartilage.

Low Oestrogen Levels

Oestrogen has a protective mechanism by protecting the joint from inflammation. As oestrogen levels reduce in aging women, this protective mechanism is lost making them prone to osteoarthritis.

People who Engage in Active Sports, e.g. Athletes

Repeated stress on the joints as a result of active sports, may eventually result in a degenerative joint disease.

Increased Bone Density

Bone density is the measure of the amount of bone tissue in bone. Increased bone density means an increase in bony tissue which may result in the development of bony outgrowths. These bony outgrowths may cut their way through the articular cartilage and cause friction within the joint.

Gender

Females have a much higher tendency of developing osteoarthritis. This is because, the lower body of a female is more elastic to allow the required flexibility during childbirth. As a result, the joints have lesser stability making them more prone to injury.

Genetics

It has been observed that osteoarthritis can be passed through generations in families. There seems to be a genetic link found amongst women.

Injury to the Joint

Injury to the joint (post-traumatic arthritis), leads to direct damage of the articular cartilage which causes a change in mechanics of the joint and accelerated wear.

Deformities of the Joint

When the joint is deformed, it leads to unusual movement of the bones within the joint space and this can result in accelerated wear of the articular cartilage.

Metabolic Disease

Some metabolic diseases like hemochromatosis arthropathy (deposition of iron in the joints) and diabetes may cause inflammation within the joint and subsequent damage to the articular cartilage.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Some symptoms to watch out for include:

• Joint stiffness, especially after periods of immobility.
• Joint pain.
• Swelling of the joint.
• Loss of flexibility or a reduced range of motion within the joint.
• Crepitus- a popping sound when the joint is used.

When Should I See a Doctor?

You must see a doctor as soon as signs of pain, swelling and/or redness are observed around the joint. It is important because the doctor will ensure that you are getting the right treatments for your condition.

If you have already been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, then you should see your doctor when the pain becomes unbearable, or if you observe any deformities of the joint like bumps, popping or grinding sounds.

You must also consult your doctor when you notice your medications do not offer much help. Sometimes, medications have to be changed or the dosage adjusted.

Diagnosis of Arthrosis

The diagnosis of osteoarthritis is done only by a doctor. The doctor will collect necessary information about your complaint, together with a family and drug history. Then, a physical examination of the affected joint will follow with diagnostic tests, allowing the doctor to confirm the diagnosis.

A number of diagnostic tests can be done and they include:

• X-rays: they reveal damage to the articular cartilage. It will also reveal the presence of bony outgrowths if present.
• Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis): the doctor will anaesthetize the joint and insert a needle to withdraw some of the synovial fluid to be analysed in a laboratory. The cells in the fluid can give details about the status of the joint.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI does not use radiation and can give a better, detailed image of the articular cartilage in the joint. However, it is more expensive.

How to Treat Osteoarthritis?

The treatment of osteoarthritis depends on the level of severity. The disease cannot be cured, but it can be managed with medications, therapy and surgery.

Medications

Medications are used in the management of acute symptoms which is notably pain. Most commonly used drugs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other pain killers.

Your doctor may also inject a steroid-based drug directly into the joint space to suppress inflammation and pain. Drugs should be prescribed only by a doctor.

Therapy

Therapists can help you by showing you simple exercises that can be done to strengthen the joint in order to increase flexibility and manage pain. Simple exercises like walking, jogging and swimming will also help to strengthen the joint whilst maintaining flexibility.

Surgical management

Surgery is indicated for patients with advanced cases of osteoarthritis. An orthopaedic surgeon can either replace the joint with metallic (usually titanium) and plastic parts. Such a procedure is called joint replacement surgery.

An osteotomy can also be performed where pieces of bone will be removed either above or below the affected joint. This procedure allows for readjustment of the mechanics of the joint and redistributes the weight it receives.

How to Prevent Osteoarthritis?

Your risk of reducing the occurrence of osteoarthritis can be done with lifestyle modifications.

Exercise

Gentle exercises can improve the health of the cartilage, connective tissue and muscles of the joint.

Regularly doing exercises like the following, may significantly reduce your risk:

• Walking.
• Swimming.
• Yoga.
• Cycling.

Reducing Occupational Risk

Some occupations may actually increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis. You must consult your doctor if your job requires a lot of:

• Kneeling.
• Bending.
• Walking.
• Twisting.
• Lifting excessive weights.

Maintaining a Healthy Diet and Weight

Eating healthy helps to provide necessary nutrients needed for normal functioning of the body. It also prevents you from getting overweight and obese. Being overweight puts enormous strain on the joints and can cause rapid deterioration, eventually leading to osteoarthritis.

Controlling your Blood Sugar

An increase in blood glucose induces the production of compounds which makes the normally elastic articular cartilage stiff. Diabetes also causes inflammation in the joints and can contribute to the loss of the articular cartilage.

It is important to regulate your blood sugar if you have been diagnosed with diabetes by improving your diet and taking medications as prescribed.

What are the Complications of Osteoarthritis?

The possible complications that can arise if treatment is not sought promptly include:

• Bleeding within the joint (hemarthrosis).
• Infection of the joint.
• Complete breakdown of the cartilage, connective tissue, tendons and muscles causing instability of the joint.
• Pinching of a nerve within the joint which is common in spinal osteoarthritis.
• Fractures of the bones in the joint usually due to injury or excessive stress.
• Bone death (osteonecrosis).

Natural/Home Remedies to Osteoarthritis

Home remedies are not the standard way of managing osteoarthritis therefore; your doctor should always be informed. Some natural remedies may interact with other medications you are taking or produce allergic reactions and other unwanted side effects.

Indeed, natural remedies are gaining popularity because some patients believe they are safer with fewer side effects.

Some natural remedies that can be used include:

• Green tea: compounds found in green tea called polyphenols have an anti-inflammatory effect which will reduce pain, swelling and redness significantly.
• Turmeric: turmeric also reduces inflammation by way of its active compound, Curmucin.
• Ginger: ginger is used to reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis. It is advised that ginger should be taken as a spice because, it can cause stomach upsets and diarrhoea as well as heartburn if taken in large quantities.
• Garlic: garlic contains diallyl disulphide which can reduce damage to the articular cartilage.
• Hot and cold compress: a hot compress should be applied when the joint is stiff whereas a cold compress is beneficial to manage pain.
• Epsom bath salts: these salts can be added to bathwater and they provide an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.

Living with Osteoarthritis

When diagnosed with osteoarthritis, you can still live a normal life. The key is to stay informed about your condition, visiting your doctor regularly and reporting any unusual events that may occur.

You should take an active part in your management by:

• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Eating a balanced diet.
• Reducing stress.
• Regularly exercising to increase strength and flexibility of the joint.
• Taking medications as prescribed and attending all hospital appointments.
• Modifying daily activities which put strain on the joints.
• Seeking appropriate care and medications to treat injuries to the joint.
• Using heat compress to relieve stiffness.
• Using a cold compress to relieve pain and muscle spasms.

Origin of joint pain (arthralgia)

A joint is made up of:

• Joint surfaces of two bones coated by articular cartilage.
• Joint cavity full of synovial fluid which surrounds the joint, acting like a lubricant.
• joint capsule (a fibrous structure which covers the joint).

Others elements like muscles, tendons and ligaments surround the joint. So, any pain felt in the joints can come from the joint structures or from the others elements mentioned. There can be inflammatory pain or mechanical pain (it’s arthrosis due to joint wear).

What are the risk factors of joint pain?

They can be classified into two groups: non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors.

The non-modifiable risk factors are those which we can’t prevent:

• Age: the risks increase with advanced age but arthritis (painful inflammation of the joint) can occur at any age.
• Sex and hormones: especially pregnant and menopausal women. A hormonal component could exist especially in rheumatoid arthritis. In the menopause case, it’s the sexual hormone deficit which leads to bone demineralization, weight gain and then to arthrosis.
• Genetic susceptibility.

The modifiable risk factors can be:

• Obesity.
• Joint trauma (sprain, dislocation).
• Metabolic diseases such as chondrocalcinosis or gout due to microcrystals deposit in the joint which can cause a quick cartilage wear and inflammation.
• Bone anomalies and deformities: valgus (inward) or varus (outward) knees deformities.
• Physical work or sport: those which need intense and repetitive moves (swimming or manual work).

Others risk factors such as infection, tobacco and less physical activities can be involved.

What are the causes of joint pain?

An acute joint pain can be cause by:

• General bacterial infection (causing reactive arthritis) or a localised infection straight in the joints like knees, wrists, elbows etc. Generally, it comes with fever, redness, swelling and heat in the joint. Also, viral infections like flu can cause joint pain.
• Trauma or injuries occurring during an accident, sport or physical work.
• A severe gout attack due to uric acid microcrystal deposit in the joints both in big joints (wrists, knees or elbows) and small joints in the hands and feet. A high protein diet or a chronic renal failure increase the risk of gout attack.

Some drugs like quinolone antibiotics, Salazopyrin (intestinal anti-inflammatory drug), incretins (oral antidiabetic drugs), bisphosphonate, diuretic drugs can have joint pain as side effects.

Chronic joint pain (more than 3 months) are essentially due to cartilage wear and chronic inflammatory arthritis, also named chronic inflammatory rheumatism. The latter is a group of diseases called autoimmune disorder that causes the human organism to produce antibodies, and thus attack its different organs and components including joints. We have diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, dermatomyositis, scleroderma and ankylosing spondylitis; also, blood vessels inflammation like Kawasaki or Behcet disease etc.

Symptoms and progression

There are 2 types of joint pain: mechanical and inflammatory pain.

The mechanical pain is felt in the case of an arthrosis and keeps you awake at night. It occurs when the joint moves and disappears at rest. The pain intensity is lower in the morning, but increases during the day to reach its maximal level in the evening. It comes with morning joint stiffness lasting less than 15 minutes and a functional discomfort which means joint moves limitation. The general state is kept (no fever, no tiredness).

On the other hand, the inflammatory pain is triggered when the joint is at rest with a morning stiffness (more than an hour). It may be accompanied with local signs of inflammation which are pain, redness, heat and swelling. It also comes with general signs (fever, tiredness) and incidentally, others symptoms of rheumatism diseases.

The inflammatory joint pain can touch one or several joints. The affected joints disposition can reveal a specific disease, for example, the symmetrical damage of metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints in rheumatoid arthritis.

The pain progression is unpredictable, it depends on the cause. It can involve a slow or quick worsening, occasional pain crisis leading to a progressive cartilage wear if the care is not suited.

Joint pain: when do you have to see a doctor?

A joint pain can occur during an intense effort and disappear after a few days with a simple painkiller treatment. You need to see a doctor in those cases:

• A pain lasting more than 2 months.
• A pain coming with fever, tiredness, weight loss, swelling and a bad general condition.
• A pain that doesn’t allow you to make your daily activities.
• A pain coming with others symptoms such as joint deformity, chest pain, stains on the skin etc.

The doctor will first make an examination, looking for your antecedents (sports you’ve practised, a past trauma, drugs, similar case in the family), the risk factors, other symptoms (fever, swelling, stiffness etc.).

In order to find the cause of the joint pain, the doctor could ask biological and radiological analyses:

• The Complete Blood Count looking for hyperleukocytosis which is an infection sign.
• High CRP or sedimentation rate in inflammation.
• Joint fluid aspiration with biological and biochemical tests can be necessary if there’s an infection for example.
• Conventional radiography, a CT scan or an RMI of the joint (knees, elbows or wrist).

Other exams can be asked according to your clinical state.

How to treat the joint pain?

The purpose is to relieve pain. We can eventually use drug and non-drug treatment.

Which drugs to use?

Paracetamol

Paracetamol is effective on mechanical pain. He hasn’t side effects and the dosage should not exceed 3 grams per day, one taking every 6 or 8 hours.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSDAI)

More effective on important inflammatory pain because they have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect using local treatment (with cream or ointment) or oral treatment. In order to avoid gastric ulcer in case of oral treatment, the association with Proton Pump Inhibitor is recommended.

Other side effects such as arterial hypertension, asthma, rash etc. may arise.

NSDAI should not be used if there’s a gastric ulcer antecedent, age more than 65 years old, pregnancy beyond the 6th month. Always consult your doctor before using it.

Local treatment with corticosteroid infiltrations

In general, drug treatment needs a medical prescription and a background treatment can be introduced according to the underlying disease.

The non-drug treatment

The R.I.C.E protocol includes rest, icing (applying to an acute mechanical joint pain), compression and elevation. Heat can be use as treatment of an inflammatory pain. You should always keep a moderate physical activity by minimizing as much as possible the use of the painful join.

Some natural treatments using plants such as Sencha green tea, harpagophytum roots also named “devil claw” (ointment or capsule), turmeric or essential oils of eucalyptus lemon have proved their efficiency in the joint pain treatment with their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

The non-drug treatment should not replace a real medical consultation.

How to prevent joint pain?

It’s all about applying simple hygiene and dietary rules including:

• Having a healthy and balanced diet avoiding overweight and obesity.
• Having a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D and trace elements such as zinc, copper, sulphur, silicon etc.
• Avoiding tobacco.
• Practising regular exercises, especially water sports.
• Avoiding sedentary lifestyle.

Those rules help to eradicate the risk factors and keep joints healthy.

Osteoporosis is a disease that affects bones and weakens them. It’s an abnormal bone loss. Indeed, bone tissue renews itself continuously by the destruction of the old bone tissue (resorption) and the formation of a new one, all in a balanced state. Osteoporosis occurs when the resorption is higher.

Osteoporosis, what are the risk factors?

Lots of risk factors lead to increased bone loss and so to osteoporosis. Some are nonmodifiable factors that can’t be avoided. However, other environmental factors are modifiable and can be avoided.

Nonmodifiable risk factors

• Age: osteoporosis is more frequent beyond 50 years.
• Gender: women are affected more than men; due to the lack of estrogen during menopause.
• Genetic predisposition: some people naturally have genes that will give a weak bone density and increase the risk, regardless of age.
• Family history with osteoporosis and bone fracture: the fact that some family members have been affected by osteoporosis is also a risk factor.
• Ethnicity: Europeans and Asiatics are more affected by osteoporosis.

Environmental risk factors

• An unbalanced diet, low calcium diet, high protein diet.
• A lack of physical activity: to renew itself continuously, the bone needs to move continuously.
• A lack of sunlight exposure leading to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is essential in assimilating and fixing calcium in the bones.
• Tobacco and alcohol are frequently present in every disease. They bar the calcium from being absorbed. They also can interfere with sexual hormones synthesis, essential in bone metabolism.
• An eating disorder like the anorexia nervosa.
• A Lactose intolerance.
• Low body weight from skinny people with a weight under 49 kg ( 107.8 lb) or a BMI under 19.

Some diseases can also weaken the bones:

• Hyperthyroidism.
• Diabetes.
• Hyperparathyroidism.
• Hypercorticism such as Cushing disease ( an elevation of cortisol level).
• Digestive diseases liver cirrhosis, Crohn disease.
• Some brain tumors.

Some drugs like synthetic thyroid hormones, prolonged corticosteroid therapy, hormone therapy used in some cancers treatment (breast, uterus, ovary) can weaken the bones.

Osteoporosis: symptoms and diagnostic

Osteoporosis is a silent disease, without symptoms. Only height loss ( at least 1.18 inches or 3cm) from collapsed vertebrae, can be a sign of osteoporosis.

Bone fracture is the main consequence of osteoporosis. It touches mainly vertebrae, hip, and wrist. That’s when intense pain appears, spontaneously or after a fall.

So it’s necessary to diagnose during the “symptom-free” phase to prevent fracture. Beyond 50 years, you can detect a height loss by measuring it frequently.

The only osteoporosis diagnostic test is the Bone Mineral Density test (BMD). This radiology test measures the bone density by using the T-score. The T-score shows the difference between your bone density and the standard bone density.

Your bone density will be marked by “-” if it is lower than the standard. If the T-score is less than -2.5, then it’s osteoporosis and severe if it’s combined with a fracture. Between -1 and -2.5 it’s osteopenia (bone tissue rarefaction).

Some blood test can help to the diagnostic:

• Vitamin D blood test.
• Thyroid hormones blood test.
• Testosterone or estrogen blood test.

How to treat osteoporosis?

To treat osteoporosis is not just about taking drugs. They’re just a way to fight and prevent osteoporosis amongst others. An effective treatment is to treat the cause of the disease.

First of all, the osteoporosis treatment is about having a rich and balanced diet and regular physical activity.

Which foods to fight and prevent osteoporosis?

Your diet should be rich in those essential elements: mineral salts including calcium, vitamin D and proteins.

Calcium

It’s the most essential to maintain bone strength. It is abundantly present in dairy products: cow’s milk, cheese, yogurt, etc. For people who can’t bear animal milk, soy milk, rice milk or almond milk enriched with calcium are some alternatives.

Calcium is also present in dry fruits, oilseed (nuts, almonds, peanut), vegetables like broccoli, spinach, cabbage, fish such as sardine, salmon, herring with fish bones.

Mineral water is also a good source of calcium.

Vitamin D

It’s essential for calcium metabolism because it improves its absorption and fixing to bones. Vitamin D is produced by the body with sunlight rays which act as a catalyzer. Good sunlight exposure is necessary to avoid a vitamin D deficit.

We also get vitamin D from our diet. It’s abundantly present in oily fish (tuna, mackerel, herring, salmon, sardine), butter, black chocolate, milk, mushroom, cod liver oil, etc.

Foods rich with mineral salts

Your diet should be rich with:

• Zinc: oyster, lobster, crab, clam, beef liver, wholemeal bread, durum, sesame seeds, etc.
• Copper: oyster, beef liver, black chocolate, beans, lentils, chickpeas, shrimps, escargot, etc.
• Magnesium: whole grains, chocolate, seafood, dry fruits, oilseeds, cabbage, spinach, some mineral waters, etc.
• Boron: grape juice, broccoli, dates, red-skinned potatoes, raisins, white bread, etc.
• Silicon: whole grains, vegetables, dry fruits, oat bran, leguminous plants beans, lentils, etc.

Mineral salts increase bone growth and stability.

Proteins

A diet rich with proteins has valuable effects on bone. It decreases bone loss and fracture risk. Proteins are present in dairy products, meat (emphasize white meat like chicken, turkey, rabbit, etc.), fish, vegetable proteins like lentils, beans, peanuts, wheat, etc.

It’s not about to increase excessively your daily intake but to find a balanced state between them; this includes eating a balanced and proportionate diet. You should not exceed the daily intake of each element.

Avoid foods like coffee, excessive salt diet, white flour, charcuterie, red meat, etc.

Do not forget that diet is a part of the medical prescription. The doctor has the right and the duty to give a guideline concerning an appropriate diet for you.

When to use drugs to treat osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis treatment with drugs is not systematic.

Drug treatment with a medical prescription is for people with risk fracture, low bone density, malabsorption syndrome, lactose intolerance, to reduce bone loss with an appropriate diet.

The treatment can start with calcium and vitamin D supplements. There are several types of drugs to treat osteoporosis; the most used are:

• Biphosphonate: they are the most used to treat osteoporosis. They decrease bone loss and increase bone mass.
• Denosumab: this drug is made of antibodies that are directed against osteoclasts which are cells responsible for bone resorption. it’s an injectable treatment.
• Teriparatide: it’s a parathyroid hormone derivative which is responsible for calcium and vitamin D metabolism. it stimulates bone formation.
• Raloxifene: it has the same effect that has estrogen on bone tissue and avoids bone destruction. However, it has no hormonal effects on uterus or breast.

Each of these drugs has precise indications; so you need medical advice.

In case of pain, an analgesic treatment will be prescribed.

Some daily useful tips

• To have a balanced diet, rich enough with calcium and vitamin D.
• To practice a regular physical activity: walking, jogging, swimming or gymnastics. You must avoid practicing excessively.
• To prevent risks of falling which can give fractures.
• To have a good posture.
• Be careful with heavy loads.