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Osteoporosis

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Primary Care in Astoria

Bone Health & Osteoporosis Treatment at mediDental care in Astoria

Osteoporosis is often called the “silent disease” because it develops without noticeable symptoms—until a bone breaks. At mediDental care, we’re committed to helping you prevent fractures, maintain strength, and preserve your quality of life. As a trusted provider of primary care in Astoria, we offer comprehensive osteoporosis screening, treatment, and ongoing support for stronger bones and healthier aging.

A primary goal of osteoporosis management is preventing fractures, as reducing the risk of broken bones is essential for maintaining independence and overall health.

Whether you’re at risk or already diagnosed, our team can help you take proactive steps toward better bone health.

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become porous, brittle, and weak due to reduced bone density. Osteoporosis results from a loss of bone mass over time, which makes bones more susceptible to damage. As the disease progresses, bones can break more easily, especially in the hips, spine, and wrists. These breaks are often referred to as osteoporotic fractures.

How Osteoporosis Affects the Body:

  • Loss of height over time
  • Stooped posture (kyphosis)
  • Increased risk of fractures from minor falls or movements
  • Chronic back pain from vertebral compression fractures

Other symptoms may also occur, depending on the severity and progression of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is most common in older adults, especially women after menopause, but it can affect men and younger individuals too.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

Understanding your risk, especially identifying high risk individuals, helps with prevention and early intervention.

  • Age: adults older than 50 are at increased risk.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors:

  • Age 50+
  • Female gender
  • Postmenopausal status
  • Family history of osteoporosis or fractures
  • History of early menopause or hysterectomy

Lifestyle and Medical Risk Factors:

  • Sedentary lifestyle or lack of weight-bearing exercise
  • Low calcium and vitamin D intake
  • Smoking and excessive alcohol use
  • Long-term use of steroids (e.g., prednisone)
  • Certain medical conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, celiac disease)
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Common Signs & Symptoms

Osteoporosis typically progresses without obvious symptoms until a fracture occurs. Signs to watch for include:

  • Loss of height over time
  • Back pain, especially after lifting or bending
  • A broken bone from a minor fall, which may be a sign of osteoporosis
  • A stooped or hunched posture

If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s time to speak with your Astoria primary care provider about bone health.

How mediDental care Diagnoses Osteoporosis

Early detection is critical to prevent serious fractures. We provide convenient, in-office evaluations and referrals for specialized imaging when needed. Blood tests are performed to check calcium levels, vitamin D, thyroid levels, and bone markers.

Diagnostic Process:

  • Medical History Review: Focused on risk factors, diet, and fracture history
  • Physical Exam: Posture, gait, and musculoskeletal health
  • DEXA (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry) Scan: Gold-standard bone density test
  • FRAX Score: Assesses 10-year risk of major fracture
  • Blood Tests: Checks for calcium, vitamin D, thyroid levels, and bone markers

Step-by-Step Osteoporosis Care Plan

1. Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation at mediDental care, your healthcare provider will take a thorough approach to understanding your risk for developing osteoporosis. This visit includes a detailed review of your personal and family history, focusing on factors like age, previous fractures, and lifestyle habits that may affect bone health. You’ll be asked about any symptoms you may be experiencing, such as joint pain or muscle aches, which can sometimes signal underlying bone loss.

A physical examination will help identify early signs of osteoporosis, such as loss of height or changes in posture. Your provider will also assess your overall risk factors, including dietary habits, physical activity levels, and any history of chronic illnesses or medications that could impact bone density. Based on this comprehensive assessment, your healthcare provider may recommend a bone density test to get a clearer picture of your bone health and determine the best strategy for treating osteoporosis and preventing further bone loss.

2. Bone Density Testing

A bone density test is a simple, non-invasive procedure that plays a crucial role in diagnosing osteoporosis and evaluating your risk of fractures. Using specialized X-rays, this test measures the density of your bones—most often in the hip and spine, where fractures can have the most serious consequences. The results help your healthcare provider determine if you have low bone density, which can significantly increase the risk of hip fractures and other osteoporotic fractures.

Bone density testing is especially important for individuals with multiple risk factors, such as postmenopausal women, older adults, or those with a family history of osteoporosis. By identifying low bone density early, your provider can recommend treatments and lifestyle changes to strengthen your bones and reduce the risk of future fractures. Regular bone density tests also help monitor the effectiveness of ongoing treatments and guide any necessary adjustments to your care plan.

3. Personalized Treatment Plan

At mediDental care, we believe that treating osteoporosis requires a personalized approach tailored to your unique needs and risk factors. Your treatment plan may include a combination of lifestyle modifications, calcium and vitamin D supplements, and medications designed to maintain bone density and support bone health.

Weight-bearing exercise, such as walking or light jogging, is often recommended to stimulate new bone formation and slow bone breakdown. Your provider may also suggest increasing your intake of calcium and vitamin D through diet or supplements to help maintain strong bones. In some cases, medications like bisphosphonates or selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) may be prescribed to increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. The goal is to create a comprehensive plan that addresses your symptoms, reduces your fracture risk, and helps you maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.

4. Long-Term Monitoring

Ongoing monitoring is a key part of successful osteoporosis management. Your healthcare provider will schedule regular bone density tests to track changes in your bone health and ensure your treatment is working effectively. Adjustments to your medication or supplement regimen, such as calcium and vitamin D, may be made based on your progress and any new risk factors that arise.

Maintaining bone density requires a long-term commitment to healthy habits, including regular exercise and a balanced diet. Your provider will also watch for potential complications, such as osteonecrosis of the jaw—a rare complication associated with certain osteoporosis medications—and address any concerns promptly. By staying proactive with regular check-ups and open communication, you can reduce the risk of fractures and maintain strong, healthy bones for years to come.

Special Considerations in Osteoporosis Care

While osteoporosis is most commonly associated with postmenopausal women, it’s important to recognize that men and younger adults can also be at risk. Certain risk factors—such as chronic medical conditions, long-term medication use, or a family history of osteoporosis—may increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis in these populations. Treatment plans should be tailored to address the unique needs and risks of each individual, ensuring that everyone receives the most effective care for their situation.

Osteoporosis in Men and Younger Adults

Osteoporosis in men and younger adults often stems from different causes than in older women. Factors such as low testosterone levels, certain health conditions, and treatments like androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer can all contribute to decreased bone density. It’s important for healthcare providers to recognize these risk factors and recommend bone density testing when appropriate.

Treatment for osteoporosis in these groups may include medications like bisphosphonates or teriparatide to increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. Lifestyle changes, such as engaging in regular weight-bearing exercise and ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, are also essential for maintaining bone health. In some cases, hormone replacement therapy may be considered, but the risks and benefits should be carefully weighed for each individual. By addressing these unique factors, men and younger adults can take proactive steps to protect their bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.

1. Initial Consultation

  • Review of symptoms, fracture risk, and lifestyle
  • Discussion of family and medical history
  • Physical assessment for posture, flexibility, and mobility
  • Treatment recommendations may follow guidelines from organizations such as the Endocrine Society.
  • First line therapy options will be discussed based on your risk profile.

2. Bone Density Testing

  • Coordination for DEXA scan at a nearby imaging facility
  • Interpretation of T-scores (normal, osteopenia, or osteoporosis)

3. Personalized Treatment Plan

Our treatment strategies are based on your age, bone density, and risk factors. There are a variety of treatment options available to manage osteoporosis, with the goal to treat osteoporosis and prevent fractures. Severe osteoporosis may require more aggressive or specialized therapies.

  • Medications (if appropriate): Several medications are available to treat osteoporosis, including bisphosphonates, denosumab, zoledronic acid, and others. Zoledronic acid is an intravenous bisphosphonate administered as an infusion, often in the doctor's office, and is effective in increasing bone mineral density and reducing fracture risk. Other medicines may be considered if first-line therapies are not suitable. Estrogen therapy is an option for certain postmenopausal women and may also be considered in younger women with specific indications, but it is not recommended for premenopausal women due to safety concerns. Some hormone-based therapies, such as SERMs and estrogen, can increase the risk of blood clots and may also be associated with hot flashes. There is a potential risk of invasive breast cancer and breast cancer with some osteoporosis medications, such as raloxifene, which should be considered in treatment planning. Some treatments, such as injections or infusions, may be administered in the doctor's office.
    • Bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate): These should be taken with a full glass of water on an empty stomach, and the patient should remain upright afterward to ensure proper absorption and reduce the risk of esophageal irritation.
    • Denosumab (Prolia®)
    • Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)
    • Parathyroid hormone analogs (e.g., teriparatide)
  • Nutritional Support: Calcium and vitamin D supplementation are recommended, especially for those who cannot get enough calcium from diet alone. Ensuring enough calcium intake is essential for bone health. Calcium absorption is facilitated by vitamin D, which is important for maintaining strong bones. However, excessive use of calcium supplements, particularly in supplement form, may increase the risk of kidney stones. Dietary recommendations should focus on bone-building nutrients.
  • Exercise Program:
    • Weight-bearing and resistance training
    • Balance and posture exercises to reduce fall risk
  • Lifestyle Coaching:
    • Smoking cessation
    • Alcohol moderation
    • Fall prevention strategies for home and daily life

4. Long-Term Monitoring

  • Repeat bone density scans every 1–2 years
  • Medication adherence and side effect tracking
  • Ongoing risk assessment and care plan adjustments
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Why Osteoporosis Treatment Matters

Without treatment, osteoporosis can lead to debilitating fractures, with hip fracture being one of the most serious and debilitating outcomes, impacting your independence and longevity.

Benefits of Timely Osteoporosis Management:

  • Reduces fracture risk
  • Maintains independence and mobility
  • Supports overall physical and mental well-being
  • Lowers long-term healthcare costs and hospitalization risk

Who Should Be Screened for Osteoporosis?

We recommend osteoporosis screening for:

  • Women age 65+ and men age 70+
  • Postmenopausal women under 65 with risk factors
  • Adults over 50 with a history of fracture
  • Anyone with significant risk factors or chronic steroid use
  • Individuals diagnosed with postmenopausal osteoporosis should be regularly screened and monitored

Speak to your Astoria primary care provider if you’re unsure whether screening is right for you.

Lifestyle Tips to Prevent or Slow Osteoporosis

Bone-Friendly Nutrition:

  • Increase intake of:
  • Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)
  • Leafy greens (kale, bok choy, collards)
  • Salmon, sardines, and fortified foods

For those unable to meet their calcium needs through diet alone, calcium supplements may be necessary to support bone health. Vitamin D is also important, as it helps with calcium absorption.

  • Avoid:
  • Excess salt and caffeine
  • Soda and processed snacks

Be aware that excessive use of calcium supplements can increase the risk of kidney stones, so follow recommended guidelines and consult your healthcare provider.

Exercise & Safety:

  • Do:
    • Weight-bearing activities (walking, dancing)
    • Resistance exercises (light weights, resistance bands)
    • Tai chi or yoga for balance
  • Avoid:
    • High-impact sports or sudden twisting movements (if already diagnosed)

Home Safety:

  • Use non-slip mats and night lights
  • Remove trip hazards like cords and loose rugs
  • Install grab bars in bathrooms if needed

Why Choose mediDental care for Osteoporosis Care in Astoria?

  • Experienced primary care providers with expertise in chronic disease management
  • Coordinated care with radiology and bone health specialists
  • Personalized lifestyle plans focused on prevention and independence
  • On-site blood testing and support for medication management
  • Convenient scheduling and follow-up for long-term care

We’re proud to offer proactive, accessible primary care in Astoria for patients of all ages. We also provide Invisalign in Astoria for those seeking discreet orthodontic treatment.

Book an Osteoporosis Screening or Consultation in Astoria

If you’re concerned about your bone health or want to reduce your fracture risk, the team at mediDental care is here to help. Early action is the best prevention.

📍 Conveniently located in Astoria, Queens
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Stay strong, stay independent—partner with mediDental care for expert osteoporosis care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between osteoporosis and osteopenia?

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Osteopenia is lower-than-normal bone density, but not low enough to be considered osteoporosis. It’s a warning sign that intervention may be needed.

Can osteoporosis be reversed?

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While bone loss can’t be fully reversed, treatment can stabilize or even slightly improve bone density and reduce fracture risk.

Do men get osteoporosis?

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Yes. Although more common in women, men can also develop osteoporosis, particularly after age 70 or due to secondary causes.

How long do I need to take medication?

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It varies. Some medications are used for 3–5 years, while others are long-term. Your provider will monitor your response and adjust as needed.

Can I exercise if I have osteoporosis?

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Yes, and it’s encouraged—with modifications. Avoid high-impact or twisting exercises, and focus on low-impact strength and balance activities.

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