Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disease that is common in menopausal women. It can cause the bones to become brittle and lose density which can raise the risk for fractures. Osteoporosis can cause significant pain and decreased mobility, however, there are a number of treatment options that can slow its progression. Here are some treatment options your coastal spine and pain physician may recommend for your osteoporosis.
Lifestyle Counseling
The symptoms of osteoporosis may be affected by your lifestyle choices. Your coastal spine and pain physician can provide you with lifestyle counseling to help manage your symptoms and halt the progression of your condition. For example, your doctor may recommend that you exercise more to help improve your mobility, decrease spinal inflammation, and relieve pain.
Your doctor may also provide you with dietary recommendations to help you manage your weight. Being overweight can exacerbate the pain of osteoporosis because the extra weight can place undue pressure on your joints such as those of the hips, knees, and ankles.
Medication Options
After a comprehensive physical examination, your physician will talk to you about medication options. If your osteoporosis symptoms are mild to moderate, you may benefit from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This class of drugs includes ibuprofen and can be purchased over-the-counter.
If your pain is severe and not responsive to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, your doctor may prescribe a stronger analgesic to help manage your pain and enhance your mobility.
