Sushil (*name changed) had a minor fall while doing Diwali cleaning at home. But this fall resulted in multiple spinal fractures. When doctors did a check-up they found that he was suffering from osteoporosis. Doctors are blaming excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and unhealthy lifestyle to be the cause behind 48-year-old Sushil developing osteoporosis.
Dr. Shailesh Hadgaonkar, orthopaedic spine surgeon from Sancheti Institute of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, said, "When Sushil came to the hospital, he was in severe pain. After doing an array of tests we found that he had multiple spinal fractures and spinal nerve compression and hence we decided to operate on him. Because he had a minor fall at home, we suspected that he might be suffering from osteoporosis. We did all the investigations to rule out any other causes of multiple fractures. As the bones are weak in osteoporotic patients, even minor falls lead to severe injury. We found that he had no genetic history of osteoporosis in his family. When we enquired more about his daily routine and habits, we found that he has developed osteoporosis because of an unhealthy daily routine and alcoholism."
Sedentary Lifestyle Should Also Be Blamed
Dr. Hadgaonkar, added, "He never used to do any exercise. His job required him to sit at one place for a long time. Physical activity helps new bone formation and slows down the bone mass. He was an alcohol addict. He was also overweight. A lot of medical research shows that alcohol abuse and a sedentary lifestyle leads to decreased bone density and increased bone fractures. Though, the incidence of osteoporosis is more among women than men, many men suffer from osteoporosis because of unhealthy habits like alcoholism, smoking etc."
"We ask such patients to immediately stop consumption of alcohol. Along with medicines, we prescribe some physiotherapy sessions and daily exercise routine. It is also important to eat calcium rich food and get exposed to sunlight." He added.
Dr. Sourabh Sane, physiotherapist working at HealYos Home Healthcare, said, "I have seen some patients wherein there is no family history of osteoporosis, but only due to excessive consumption of alcohol, unhealthy food habits and sedentary lifestyle has led to development of osteoporosis. In such cases, physiotherapy helps strengthen the bones and muscles. Physiotherapy can help you improve your balance to lower your risk of falling."
Dr Shrinivas Shintre, Professor of Orthopedics and Head of Trauma Care Centre at Sassoon Hospital, said, "Faulty lifestyle, lack of healthy eating, obesity, alcohol abuse do lead to Osteoporosis. Among many other factors, these are some of the causes that also cause osteoporosis. Prevention is the best cure. Having calcium rich food, good exercise, and no to alcohol and smoking will help in prevention.
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