Osteoporosis is a common condition that can affect us as we get older, especially women after menopause. It causes bones to weaken, becoming fragile and more prone to fracture. These fractures can often occur with very little force, even occurring spontaneously with normal everyday activities, which can be incredibly debilitating.

Unfortunately, most people are unaware they have osteoporosis until their first fracture as there are no other specific symptoms. This is where identifying your FRAX score can help.

The FRAX assessment score identifies whether you have a high risk of developing osteoporosis, and if so we can refer you via your GP for further investigations, usually in the form of a DXA scan. The DXA scan is a simple, non-invasive, low dose x-ray of your bones to identify whether you have decreased done density.

Although osteoporosis is usually age-related there are several other risk factors and predisposing conditions that can increase our risk of developing it. These include early menopause, smoking, alcohol, poor diet, gastrointestinal disorders, being underweight and use of some medications.

If you are over 40 years old and recognise you have some of these risk factors, or would simply like to understand your own risk profile, please do book an osteoporosis screening appointment with our osteopath. During the appointment your risk will be assessed using the FRAX score and you will be given the opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have with regards to osteoporosis. In addition we can provide lifestyle advise to help improve bone density, and send a referral letter to your GP if you have a high risk of osteoporosis. However, please be aware you will remain under the care of your GP for your overall ongoing medical treatment and management of osteoporosis.

If you would like more support or guidance please do visit the website of The Royal Osteoporosis Society (www.theros.org.uk) where you can find a wealth of information and patient support. They also have an excellent telephone advice service.

Your local Farnham based osteopath, here to help you find your health and get that incredible machine that is your body working for you again. Please do get in touch at enquiries@outlinehealth.com or call 01252 850814