All Osteoporosis Articles

Alendronate (Fosamax)

Fosamax (Alendronate) is prescribed to treat osteoporosis.

Anatomy of Osteoporosis

To understand osteoporosis, you should understand how bones grow and regenerate. Then you'll know why and how this bone disease weakens your bones, especially your spine's vertebrae.

Are You at Risk for Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that mostly affects women but men and younger people of all ethnic backgrounds are at risk, too. Knowing your risks is important to prevention.

Ask the Doctor: New Options Available To Treat Spinal Fractures From Osteoporosis

Doctors have found an innovative way to treat spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis.

Balloon Kyphoplasty and Vertebral Compression Fractures: Glossary

A glossary of common terms associated with Balloon Kyphoplasty in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures.

Bone-building Exercise Tips for Osteoporosis

One of your best defenses against developing osteoporosis is to exercise regularly. Include weight-bearing and resistance exercises into you fitness routine.

Bracing for Osteoporosis

A spinal fracture is a serious thing, and as your body heals, your doctor may recommend a back brace. It will support your spine and back muscles as the vertebrae heal.

Calcium and Vitamin D to Build Bone

Preventing osteoporosis involves getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Calcium is what helps you build new bones, and vitamin D is what helps you absorb calcium from food or supplements. Find out what you should be eating to build bones.

Can Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation Adequately Treat Most Patients with Osteoporosis?

Calcium and Vitamin D should be used in combination with an antiresorptive agent such as estrogen, raloxifene, alendronate, risedronate, or calcitonin.

Causes of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis has many causes, including family history and certain medical conditions. There are also many lifestyle factors that could lead to osteoporosis, such as lack of exercise and smoking. How can you decrease your chance of having weak bones?

Common Osteoporosis Questions

Many of the most common questions people ask about osteoporosis are answered here.

Compression and Wedge Fractures

Injury or trauma to the spine may cause compression and wedge fractures, which are very painful and require immediate medical attention.

Compression and Wedge Fractures: Treatment and Recovery

Osteoporosis may cause vertebral compression and wedge fractures; some of these fractures can now be treated using vertebroplasty.

Discharge Instructions for Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty discharge instructions. These discharge instructions are printed with permission from Todd Albert, M.D. of the Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University.

Drugs and Medications for Osteoporosis

To help control bone mineral density loss because of osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend a medication. There are several options, including drugs that slow down bone loss and one drug that speeds up bone formation.