After being diagnosed with osteoporosis, the next step is starting a treatment plan that involves a change in diet and lifestyle habits. It’s also a good idea to start taking osteoporosis medications in order to prevent further bone loss and fractures. At The Pain Center of Arizona, the pain management specialists are able to assist in the management of osteoporosis pain.
Osteoporosis is difficult to reverse, which means that prevention is the key to preventing painful and disfiguring fractures. A diet high in calcium is the best way to prevent and treat osteoporosis. To help with the absorption of the calcium, vitamin D supplements should also be taken. A regular exercise program—including weight-bearing exercise, such as walking and aerobics—can help keep bones strong and free of fractures.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)—either estrogen alone or a combination of estrogen and progestin—used to be prescribed for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. However, now research has shown that hormone replacement therapy increases the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke in some women. So while HRT is known to help preserve bone and prevent fractures, it isn’t generally recommended at this point for treating osteoporosis because the health risks are thought to outweigh the benefits. Findings show that in women who once took menopausal hormone replacement therapy and then stopped taking it, their bones begin to thin again—at the same pace as during menopause.
There are quite a few drugs available for women to take. Evista has some actions similar to estrogen, such as the ability to maintain bone mass. However, studies have shown that Evista doesn’t increase the risk of breast or uterine cancers like estrogen does. Evista often causes hot flashes and can increase the risk of getting blood clots.
Actonel , Binosto, Boniva, and Fosamax are drugs that treat osteoporosis by inhibiting cells that break down bone. Actonel, Binosto, and Fosamax are usually taken once a week while Boniva is taken once a month. There are strict ways to take these medications, since if taken incorrectly, they can lead to ulcers in the esophagus.
Reclast is given as a once-yearly 15-minute infusion in a vein. Reclast is said to increase bone strength and reduce fractures in the hip, spine, wrist, arm, leg, or rib and works in a similar way as the drugs above.
Forteo is used for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men who are at high risk for a fracture. A synthetic form of the naturally occurring parathyroid hormone, Forteo is the first drug shown to stimulate new bone formation and increase bone mineral density. It is self-administered as a daily injection for up to 24 months. Side effects include nausea, leg cramps, and dizziness.
Calcitonin, another treatment option for osteoporosis, is a naturally occurring hormone that inhibits bone loss. It is available as a nasal spray or injection but is not considered as effective for fracture prevention as other available treatments. Side effects include nausea and skin rashes.
Prolia is a monoclonal antibody—a fully humanized, lab-produced antibody that interferes with the body’s bone-breakdown mechanism. It’s the first “biologic therapy” to be approved for osteoporosis treatment. It’s approved for women at high risk of fracture when other osteoporosis drugs have not worked.
If you suffer from chronic pain due to any condition or injury, find hope at The Pain Center of Arizona! Our dedicated team of board certified pain management physicians will work with you to treat your pain, increase your functionality and quality of life, and get you back into life! We have locations across Arizona, including Phoenix, Anthem, Surprise, Mesa, Gilbert, Deer Valley, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and now Prescott and Tucson! We take multiple insurance plans; click here to see if we take yours! To make an appointment and take the first step toward getting back into life, call us today at 1-888-PAINCENTER. We hope to see you soon!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
