What is osteopenia (weak bones/low bone mass)?

Osteopenia is a condition with a low bone mass that is not severe enough to be called osteoporosis by bone density measurements.

What is osteoporosis (brittle bones)?

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become thinner, weaker, and more likely to break.

What are the common causes risk factors for developing osteopenia/osteoporosis?

• Lack of exercises
• Ageing
• Obesity
• Post-menopausal hormonal changes in women
• Steroid medications
• Poor nutrition
• Calcium and Vit. D deficiency
• Smoking
• Major gastrointestinal surgery
• Malabsorption syndrome
• Cancer

What are the common symptoms of osteopenia/osteoporosis?

• There are no specific symptoms of osteoporosis/osteopenia.
• Tendency and history of repeated fractures are indications that one might have osteoporosis/osteopenia.
• Some people suffer from long-standing joint pains.
• Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra
• In older individuals a loss of height over time
• In older individuals stooped posture

How to diagnose osteoporosis & osteopenia?

• Bone Mineral Density Scanning (DEXA scan) is the gold standard test for diagnosing osteopenia/osteoporosis.
• The value of the T score defines the diagnosis

A T score of -1 to +1, defines normal bone density

A T score of -1 to -2.4, defines osteopenia, now called low bone mass

A T score of -2.5 or lower, defines osteoporosis

IMAGE: DEXA Scan reports showing osteoporosis

IMAGE: DEXA scan report showing osteopenia

What are the complications of osteoporosis & osteopenia?

• People with osteoporosis are more vulnerable to fractures (broken bones) than those without this disorder.

What are the common sites of fractures due to osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the hip, wrist or spine.

IMAGE: X-ray fracture at hip

IMAGE: X-ray fracture at wrist

IMAGE: X-ray fracture at the spine

What can be tried to prevent osteoporosis?

• Regular exercise involving strength training
• In overweight individuals reduction in fat mass and an increase in muscle mass
• Calcium and Vit D supplementation
• Sunlight exposure
• Diverse all-inclusive diet

What happens during consultation at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• The doctor will examine the patient.
• A detailed history regarding the onset and progression of the disease will be noted.
• A record of previous treatments tried will be noted.
• Previous reports such as Bone Mineral Density (BMD-DEXA Scan) reports, MRI, X rays will also be seen and discussed.

Is it necessary to have any investigations done before or after the consultation?

• It is best to have a Bone Mineral Density (BMD-DEXA) scan done to diagnose the level of osteopenia/osteopenia.
• Sometimes X-ray is also suggestive of osteopenia/osteoporosis. It is not the gold standard test for diagnosing osteopenia or osteoporosis.
• Blood tests and MRIs are NOT asked for.

What questions to expect from your doctor

The doctor may ask some of the following questions:

• In case of pain, where exactly does it hurt?
• Since when have you had this problem?
• Questions on the history of previous fractures?
• Questions on dietary habits?
• Questions on lifestyle factors?
• What are the previous treatment modalities tried by you?

How to prepare for your consultation with the doctor?

• Wear comfortable clothes.
• Don’t consume painkillers (at least 12 hours before) while coming for consultation. Painkillers mask the symptoms and interfere with understanding of symptoms.
• Bring all the previous reports, investigations, and medication prescriptions. It is NOT necessary to have investigations or tests to be done before.
• Write down all your questions on paper or on a mobile phone that you want to ask the doctor.
• It is always useful to bring a companion with you during consultation.

What treatment can be offered at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• Based on examination, reports, and medical and surgical history doctor will prescribe exercises.
• A few sessions of specific exercises will be suggested at the BILD Exercise Clinic under supervision.
• For pain, home home-based exercise program can also be prescribed.

What types of exercises are covered at BILD Exercise Clinic?

 As needed one or more of the following exercises are prescribed and administered.

• Exercises for strength
• Exercises for load bearing of bones
• Exercises for stability
• Exercises for balancing

What are the goals of the exercise treatment at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• Improve muscle strength
• Improved Bone Mineral Density (BMD)
• Improve joint stability
• Delay or reverse the further progression of the disease

As with any medical or exercise intervention the outcome varies from patient to patient.

Which technology might be used during treatment (as per the need) at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• Strength training equipment (MATRIX, USA and others)
• Anti-gravity treadmill (NASA, USA)
• Balance stimulating equipment
• Resistance bands
• Yoga
• Cardio equipment such as cycle, elliptical etc.

The selection of technology and exercise protocol is decided by the doctor.

What type of treatment is NOT offered at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• Painkillers or Anti-inflammatory medications
• Vitamin supplements
• Ointments and creams of any kind
• Any other pharmacological/drug treatment
• Hormonal Therapy or injectables of any kind
• Intra-joint injections of any kind
• Surgery of any kind

How to reach BILD Exercise Clinic OPD at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital?

• Reach the Super Speciality Building (SS building/new building) lobby/main entrance before time. Wheelchairs are available in the lobby and parking for needy patients. Click here for the Google map location of BILD Exercise Clinic.
• Parking is available based on availability. You can prefer public transport such as bus, auto-rickshaw, cab or taxi.
• If you are not registered as a patient and appearing for the first time as a patient at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital then try to come at least 15 minutes before the appointment time to complete the simple registration process at the ground floor reception of the super specialty building.
• Get an OPD entry pass (for patients) and an attendant pass at the ground-floor reception.
• Choose appropriate lifts (life no.1,2,3 ) at the ground floor to reach BILD Exercise Clinic OPD on the 11th floor.
• Depending upon patient numbers some waiting period is expected. Comfortable sitting, clean drinking water, a book reading section, clean toilets, changing rooms, and a cafeteria (on the ground floor and seventh floor) are available at your service.