John from Vassalboro asks, "What is the difference between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis?"

Osteoporosis is a condition that takes the calcium out of the bones making them weaker and more brittle. It is most commonly found in women over the age of fifty. It also affects men but usually after the age of seventy. It occurs primarily in the spine, wrists and hips. It is often responsible for hip fractures in the elderly. In the spine it can cause compression fractures which lead to the hunching forward of the head and shoulders. Osteoporosis in and of its self is not usually a painful condition. It is usually detected when x-rays are taken for some other complaint.

Osteoporosis has several potential causes. A diet of processed food, carbonated soft drinks, caffeine, and high protein, sugar and salt consumption have been linked to the condition. Other causes include lack of exercise, hormone changes, insufficient calcium absorption, excessive antibiotic treatments, cortisone and fluoride.

Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease. It occurs only in joints and does not take calcium out of the bone. It occurs when the joint is not aligned properly and changes the stress placed on it by making it hyper-mobile. This causes a wearing away of the cartilage. Eventually, the bones usually form large spurs called osteophyte. Symptoms may include mild morning stiffness, pain that is worse with use, loss of joint function, local joint tenderness and restricted motion. Because of the cartilage loss, on x-ray there is a noticeable decrease in the joint space (the distance between the bones in the joint).

Causes of osteoarthritis may include joint instability/hyper-mobility, fractures and mechanical alterations, hormonal factors and chronic inflammation. As with any health condition, it is important that you consult with your health care professional. Thank you for your question John.

Original publication The Town Line newspaper South China, ME 04358
Information contained herein furnished by Nadeau Chiropractic Wellness Center
2135 N. Belfast Ave, Augusta, ME