Osteoporosis is a degenerative condition that causes thinning and weakened bones. It is more common in women, however, it is not uncommon in older men. Osteoporosis can raise your risk for falls and fractures, however, your physician in Jackson, GA, can help manage your disease to help slow its progression. Here are some osteoporosis treatment options that your physician may recommend.
Physical Therapy
Your doctor may write a prescription for you so that you can enroll in a physical therapy program. Many states require a prescription because they do not allow direct access to physical therapy programs without a physician’s order.
Physical therapy exercises can help improve muscle strength, enhance bone health, improve mobility, and relieve pain from osteoporosis. Also, after completing your physical therapy program, you may not need to take as much pain medication for your osteoporosis.
Prescription Medications
Your physician in Jackson, GA, can also prescribe medication to help slow the progression of your osteoporosis. These medications include a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates, which help strengthen your bones. Bisphosphonates also help improve bone density, while preventing bone loss.
Your doctor will monitor you for side effects from bisphosphonates because they can cause flu-like symptoms, bone pain, serum calcium abnormalities, altered kidney function, and esophageal pain. If you are unable to tolerate the side effects from the bisphosphonates, the physician may recommend that you stop taking them.
For more information on osteoporosis treatment options, call Internal Medicine of Griffin or visit the website at .