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Osteoporosis Specialist

Gearity Wellness Center

located in Orlando, FL & St. Cloud, FL

Experts estimate that about 54 million Americans have osteoporosis. If you’re one of them, it’s important you take steps to lower your risk of a fall or fracture. At Gearity Wellness Center in St. Cloud and Orlando, Florida, the team provides osteoporosis screenings and treatment onsite. To schedule an appointment, call the nearest office and speak with a friendly team member or book online today.

Osteoporosis Q & A

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes your bones to become weak, porous, and brittle. Over time, this increases your risk of fractures, particularly of the bones in the wrists, hips, or spine.

Osteoporosis affects people of all ages and races, but it’s especially common in white and Asian women who are post-menopausal. Although there’s no cure for osteoporosis, it’s possible to manage through medications, good nutrition, and bone-strengthening exercises.

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

The symptoms of osteoporosis vary. In the early stages, you might not realize anything is wrong. However, as the condition progresses, common indications include:

  • Back pain
  • Fractured or collapsed vertebrae
  • Loss of height
  • Stooped posture
  • Broken bones

If you go through early menopause or you take corticosteroids regularly, your risk of osteoporosis increases. You’re also more likely to experience osteoporosis if one or both of your parents had it. 

Who is at risk of osteoporosis?

There are several factors that increase your likelihood of developing osteoporosis, including being middle-aged or older, having a family history of osteoporosis, and having a small body frame. Dietary factors, such as low calcium intake and eating disorders, also play a role. 

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

To diagnose osteoporosis, your Gearity Wellness Center provider conducts a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks you about your lifestyle and symptoms. Afterward, they conduct an osteoporosis screening. 

During this painless test, you lie down on a padded table. Once you’re comfortable, your provider passes a special scanner over your body. The scanner uses low levels of X-rays to determine the proportion of minerals in your bones. Your provider uses the information provided by the osteoporosis screening to develop a custom treatment plan.

How is osteoporosis treated?

Treatment of osteoporosis depends on your risk of breaking a bone. If you don’t have a high risk of bone fractures and your osteoporosis is in the early stages, your provider might recommend healthy lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and modifying risk factors for bone loss or falls.

If you are at risk of breaking a bone, your provider may recommend healthy lifestyle changes, combined with prescription medications. There are several types of medications used to manage osteoporosis, including bisphosphonates, monoclonal antibody medications, and hormone-related therapy.

To explore your treatment options for osteoporosis, make an appointment at Gearity Wellness Center. Call the nearest office and speak with a friendly team member or book online today.