| I guess that a good number of people reading this | | | | bone mass may be undergoing remodeling at any point |
| article know the meaning of osteoporosis. Anyway, for | | | | in time. The process takes place in bone multicellular |
| the benefit of those who may not have heard or | | | | units (BMUs) as first described by Frost in 1963. Bone |
| come across the term “osteoporosis”, I will like | | | | is resorbed by osteoclast cells (which derive from the |
| to start by giving a brief explanation of the term | | | | bone marrow), after which new bone is deposited by |
| osteoporosis. | | | | osteoblast cells. |
| The word “osteoporosis” literally means | | | | The three main mechanisms by which osteoporosis |
| “porous bone”. It is usually referred to as a silent | | | | develop are an inadequate peak bone mass (the |
| killer because there are often no symptoms | | | | skeleton develops insufficient mass and strength during |
| associated with it. It involves bone loss until the bones | | | | growth), excessive bone resorption and inadequate |
| becomes so weak that a sudden strain, bumb, or fall | | | | formation of new bone during remodeling. Interplay of |
| causes a fracture. Such a fracture often occurs in the | | | | these three mechanisms underlies the development of |
| hip, ribs, vertebrae, or wrist. | | | | fragile bone tissue. Just like any other disease, |
| Medically speaking, osteoporosis is a bone condition | | | | osteoporosis is better prevented than cured. |
| characterized by low bone density and deterioration of | | | | Prevention of osteoporosis may include adjusting |
| bone strength leading to bone fragility and susceptibility | | | | one’s diet and lifestyle to preserve bone mass and |
| to fracture. This silent disease can be diagnosed by | | | | increase bone strength. One can prevent osteoporosis |
| means of low radiation scan, which measures bone | | | | by sunbathing for a few minutes each day. This |
| mineral density. The underlying mechanism in all cases | | | | provides one with a reasonable amount of vitamin D, |
| of osteoporosis is an imbalance between bone | | | | which is essential in building strong bone. Weight |
| resorption and bone formation. In normal bone, there is | | | | bearing and resistance exercise can also help to |
| constant matrix remodeling of bone; up to 10% of all | | | | prevent loss of bone mass. |