Doctors estimate that around half of women and a quarter of men will have an osteoporosis-related bone break at some point in their lifetime. In all, around 14 million Americans 50 and older (13% of that age group) have osteoporosis, meaning their bones are brittle and more at risk of a fracture.
In addition to deficiencies like vitamin D and other minerals, there are some outward signs that you might be at risk for osteoporosis that you may not have even realized.
Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has four risk factors for osteoporosis that you may surprise you.
- Taking Thyroid Medication
Whether you have an overactive thyroid or are on medication to boost your levels, either could lead to bone-density issues. That’s because high levels of thyroid hormones can interfere in the formation of new bone mass, and those who are below optimal thyroid levels are usually given higher-than-necessary doses to elevate their numbers.
- Using Your Arms to Push Yourself Out of a Chair
Having to do this could be a sign of weakening muscles, which usually precedes weakened bones. Muscles and bones get stronger and weaker together, so keeping your strength up with exercise will keep bones healthy as well.
- Noticeable Hearing Loss
If you’ve noticed that you’re having a harder time hearing, osteoporosis could be to blame. One study involving 144,000 women found that those with low bone density have about a 30% greater risk of moderate to severe hearing loss.
- Lower Back Pain
Muscle strains and pulls caused by overexerting in the lower back should usually resolve themselves in three to four days. Otherwise, it could be due to osteoporosis-related fracture, and these breaks can also cause people to lose up to an inch and a half of their overall height.
To learn more about Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://cooperstown-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.
