Osteoporosis Pain Management in Delray Beach, FL

Osteoporosis is a condition that reduces bone strength and puts women at greater risk of breaking or fracturing a bone.

In fact, more than one in four women over the age of 65 have the disease. Symptoms are virtually non-existent and a person may not be affected by it until they break a bone.

Marcie A. Merson, M.D. is board-certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and has over 25 years of experience helping patients. If you’re at risk for osteoporosis, Palm Beach Pain Institute can help. Give our office a call at (561) 499-7020 or request an appointment through our secure online form.

Who Is at Risk for Osteoporosis?

The following factors make a person more likely to develop Osteoporosis:

• Gender. Women are far more likely to be affected by Osteoporosis than men. In general, women’s bones are smaller and are more vulnerable to degeneration due to hormonal changes that occur after menopause.
• Age. Bones naturally become thinner as we age. When women reach menopause, they may rapidly lose bone in the first four to eight years of menopause. For example, if a woman begins menopause at 50, the most dramatic loss of bone mass may occur between 51 and 58.
• Race. Due to differences in genetic make-up, Caucasian and Asian women are more likely to be affected by Osteoporosis than African-American and Hispanic women.
• Family History. Women whose families have a history of developing Osteoporosis are more likely to develop it themselves.

What are the Treatment Options for Osteoporosis?

The main goal of treatment will be to prevent fractures and breaks. In addition to recommending a proper diet rich in calcium, a doctor may prescribe medication. The following is not a list of all medication options, but simply the most commonly used:

• Bisphosphonates. This type of medication slows cell activity that is responsible for bone loss. Bisphosphonates are intended to maintain or even increase bone density.
• Parathyroid Hormone. This option is for postmenopausal women who are at high risk for fracture.
• Estrogen Agonists/Antagonists. Typically used to treat postmenopausal women, these medications are not estrogen, but they have estrogen-like effects on the body.
• Calcitonin. Meant for women who are at least five years into menopause, calcitonin helps to regulate calcium and bone metabolism.

Osteoporosis is a condition that shouldn’t be taken lightly. A broken bone can result in hospitalization and even surgery.