Osteoporosis Screening
Osteoporosis Screening with Dr Gill Pearson
Osteoporosis is common amongst older adults, especially post-menopausal women, and causes the bone strength to weaken which can lead to debilitatingfractures (broken bones) and sometimes to longer term complications.
These ‘fragility fractures’ often occur at the wrist, shoulder or hip from a simple fall. Fractures in the spine (vertebral fractures) may occur spontaneously or with only minimal trauma.
Following the initial fracture there is a 2-3 times increased risk of having another fracture
The diagnosis of osteoporosis is usually investigated by performing a bone density measurement by DXA scan, showing decreased bone density. This is a simple, non-invasive, low dose Xray scan. No ‘tunnels’ or injections involved. Investigations and a DXA scan can be arranged by a GP if significant risk is apparent (see risk factors listed below, or see www.theros.org.ukwebsite for further information). Appropriate treatment (and/or lifestyle changes) can then be advised to reduce further bone loss, and thus decrease the risk of fracture.
Unfortunately most people are unaware that they have osteoporosis prior to their first fracture as there are usually no specific symptoms to alert one to the problem. Performing a FRAX score is another way to help identify those at high risk.
Although osteoporosis is generally an age related problem, there are some predisposing conditions that are associated with the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Risk factors include :-
early menopause (unless HRT is taken to replace oestrogen)
removal of ovaries before age 45 yrs ( without HRT supplementation)
glucocorticoid steroid use ( eg prednisolone tablets)
gut diseases causing poor absorption of nutrients (eg coeliac disease, Crohn’s colitis, some gut surgery)
poor diet , eg low in calcium containing foods, low in fruit and veg.
over-active thyroid or parathyroid glands
smoking
alcohol
previously high performing athletesor dancers(especially with associated cessation of menses)
anorexia nervosa
being under-weight
long term immobility ( eg stroke, bed or wheelchair bound)
certain medications affecting bone health including Aromatase Inhibitors for breast cancer; some prostate cancer treatments in men; long-term Depo Provera use (injectable contraception); some epilepsy anti-convulsants; some diabetes medication ( glitazones); long term use of SSRI anti-depressants.
If you recognise that you may have risk factors, or you have had a ‘fragility fracture’ but not been assessed for osteoporosis, please discuss this with your GP for further investigation.
During the Osteoporosis Awareness months of May and October, DrGill Pearson, offers patients an opportunity to assess their risk of osteoporosis and to discuss any concerns they may have regarding osteoporosis . (If you would like to discuss your needs outside of the Awareness months of May and October, please call to check availability).
Dr Gill worked as a specialist in Osteoporosis care at Southampton General Hospital until her retirement in 2018. With this background experience she is happy to offer support and advice regarding osteoporosis, alongside her Osteopath collegues and Pilates exercise therapist within the Stockbridge Osteopathic Practice. She will assess risk factors, discuss medication (both conventional and complementary), advise on good lifestyle for bone health,and explain the results ofDXA bone density scans. However, patients will remain under the care of their GP and/or specialist for their overall ongoing medical treatment and management of osteoporosis.
Please see the website of The Royal Osteoporosis Society ( previously called The National Osteoporosis Society, or NOS) for more information on osteoporosis . This is an excellent patient support organisation and they also provide a very helpful telephone Helpline. See www.theros.org.uk
Go to our downloads page to download a free Fracture Prevention poster
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