Submitted by Shannon Laesch, APN, and Elizabeth Madlem, APN, The Bone Health Clinic at Millennium Pain Center
Osteoporosis is often called the “silent disease” because, early on, there are no tell-tale signs to alert you of its progression. This disease occurs in the bones, which are living, porous structures. When the body loses bone mass, makes too little bone tissue, or both, osteoporosis sets in. Many people aren’t diagnosed until they experience a fracture or a minor fall resulting in a broken bone.
Some physical ramifications of osteoporosis include loss of height or a noticeable hump, as well as the continuance of painful breaks and fractures that may sometimes occur from doing just everyday movements, like lifting a bag of groceries or bending down to tie your shoes.
Even more silent than the physical toll osteoporosis takes on your body is the emotional price you may pay. Feelings of insecurity, anger, worry, sadness, and even depression can all be side effects of this disease.
Fear and insecurity
Osteoporosis can be emotionally paralyzing for some individuals. Constant worry of falling and breaking a bone can cause some to avoid certain activities or not leave the house at all. While your healthcare provider may advise you on the importance of physical activity such as walking, pain or fear often makes this hard to do. Some individuals who experience height loss and spine curvature feel self-conscious, and this takes a toll on self-body image. This, in turn, can have a profound impact on friendships and intimate relationships.
Anger and worry
For those who suffer the daily pain of osteoporosis there can be anger, especially when normal activities that they love become a challenge or an impossibility. They may feel frustration at having to rely on help from others to do some of the things they used to do on their own, like carrying heavy shopping bags, walking pets in the snow, or even driving.
Many, regardless of their insurance coverage, worry about the financial aspects of the disease. The costs of prescription medications, therapy, and assistance with activities and transportation cause concern about making ends meet or having to dip into money that was allocated for other reasons.
For some with osteoporosis, working full-time or in their current position is no longer a feasible option. Giving up or changing jobs or reducing hours can not only cause a financial worry, but anger at having this disease force them to make so many changes to their lives.
Sadness and depression
As the disease progresses, it often has an effect on their relationships. Sometimes it can cause strains among friends or family members as sufferers become more dependent on them. Physical intimacy may decrease — everything from sex, to hugging, to picking up children or grandchildren. Participation in social activities or just the act of getting out and about can diminish, causing relationships to become more distant. Feelings of isolation and loneliness are not uncommon as people struggle to try to adjust their lives to accommodate the debilitations of the disease.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), there is a link between osteoporosis and depression. One study found that among women who have not reached menopause, those with mild depression had less bone mass than those who were not depressed. Younger women who suffer from depression may be at a greater risk for osteoporosis.
The emotional effects of osteoporosis can at times be as overwhelming as the physical limitations. A comprehensive osteoporosis treatment program can help you to treat this disease from a physical standpoint as well as cope with the emotional issues. Such a program includes a focus on lifestyle changes such as proper nutrition and exercise to help you speak up against this silent disease.
For more information on bone health and osteoporosis, you may contact The Bone Health Clinic at Millennium Pain Center, 309-662-4321. They are located at 1015 Mercer Ave. in Bloomington. Shannon Laesch and Elizabeth Madlem are certified bone health consultants. The clinic provides screening, diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan for people who have or are at risk of developing osteoporosis.