Degenerative Bone Disease
Facts about Degenerative Bone Disease
Although bones are not normally thought to deteriorate, there are two diseases at least that can be referred to as degenerative bone disease. Osteoporosis and Paget ’s disease are both conditions which involve weakened bones.
The term “degenerative bone disease” may lead some to think that our bones can literally, under some circumstances, wither away. There is no condition that fits this description; even in death, it can take thousands of years for the human skeleton to deteriorate to the stage where it no longer exists, although certain conditions can either hasten or delay the process more. Our bones can weaken, however, which may result in medical conditions that are referred to as degenerative bone disease.
Human bones are under a continual state of change from the time a fetus is formed. Beginning as cartilage during fetal development, bones “ossify”, or harden, during the first few months. Throughout childhood and adolescence, with good diet and physical activity, the bones become dense; a sign of healthy bones. Without the proper nutrition and exercise, the adolescent skeleton does not achieve the density it needs that will protect it in later years; leading to the possibility of degenerative bone disease.
Also, during normal bone formation, the tissues of the bone are constantly breaking down and rebuilding to accommodate the growing and changing adolescent body. As people age, the breaking down process exceeds the rebuilding process; resulting in a weaker bone structure.
Osteoporosis is a medical condition that exists when bones become weakened to the point that they are easily broken. A degenerative bone disease, osteoporosis can be acquired when a lower than normal bone density is achieved before age 30, or when not enough calcium is present in the body. There are ways to prevent the development of osteoporosis. In youth, building strong bones through the proper diet and good exercise is crucial to building a high bone density. As you age, making sure that your diet includes the daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D helps your body to regenerate bone formation. Exercise is an excellent way to keep bones healthy. Smoking and excessive alcohol intake is never beneficial, and this is true for healthy bones as well. Having your doctor perform bone density exams to ensure you are on the right track for preventing degenerative bone disease should begin when medically advisable.
Paget’s disease is a rare occurrence that can also be considered to be a degenerative bone disease. However, in this unusual circumstance, normal bone that breaks down is replaced with bone that is abnormal, often deformed. This condition is largely congenital, and often not treated unless complications arise.
The risk of degenerative bone disease can be lessened with proper diet and care. Prevention is the best medicine during childhood and adolescence, but taking calcium at older ages can also help to ward off this disease.