In Montana, where nearly 20% of our population is over 65 and at heightened risk for osteoporosis, maintaining strong bones is crucial for enjoying our outdoor lifestyle, from hiking the Rocky Mountains to skiing at Showdown Mountain near Great Falls.1 While osteoporosis is often associated with women, it affects men significantly, too. Currently, 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, and another 34 million are at risk due to low bone mass.2 Post-menopausal women are at highest risk.3
Understanding Bone Health and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is often called the “silent disease.” The condition occurs when the body loses too much bone mass or makes too little bone tissue, leading to fragile bones that break easily, and it particularly affects those over 50.2 Think of your bones as a living bank account–throughout your life, you’re either depositing or withdrawing bone tissue. Until about age 30, most people build more bone than they lose, reaching their peak bone mass.3 After that, the balance shifts.
Montana’s unique environment presents distinct challenges for bone health. Our northern latitude means significantly reduced sunlight and vitamin D production during winter months, with December and January providing just 13 hours of daylight compared to summer’s 16 hours. While our active outdoor lifestyle, from ranching and hiking to snow shoveling, promotes overall health it also demands strong bones year-round, making proactive bone health management especially crucial for Montana residents.
Warning Signs and Risk Assessment of Bone Weakness
When bone density decreases, it creates structural weaknesses that can lead to fractures even from minor incidents. Osteoporosis is particularly concerning because it causes both internal deterioration within the bone and external weakening of the bone’s outer layer.
Major risk factors for bone health include:
- Gender and age (women over 50, especially postmenopausal)
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Small or thin body frame
- Caucasian or Asian ethnicity
- Limited sunlight exposure and vitamin D deficiency
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Poor nutrition or limited access to calcium-rich foods
- A sedentary lifestyle or extended periods indoors
- Medical conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, thyroid disorders)
- History of eating disorders or irregular periods
- Early menopause
- Certain medications (corticosteroids, anti-seizure drugs)
- High caffeine intake
A less severe but related condition is osteopenia, which serves as an early warning sign that someone may develop osteoporosis. While both conditions increase fracture risk, osteoporosis is especially dangerous because even routine activities can result in broken bones. Hip fractures are particularly devastating, as they can severely impact a person’s independence and quality of life, sometimes with life-threatening complications.
Many Montana residents don’t realize they have weakening bones until a minor fall results in a fracture. Early warning signs include:4
- Gradual loss of height over time
- Developing a stooped or hunched posture
- Back pain caused by compressed or fractured vertebrae
- Bones that break much more easily than expected
- Weakening grip strength
- Finding daily activities like climbing stairs increasingly difficult
At Great Falls Clinic and Hospital, our expert radiologists use advanced DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scanning technology to assess bone health. This painless, 15-minute scan provides precise measurements of bone mineral density, helping doctors identify osteoporosis early and create effective treatment plans. The clinic’s experienced radiology team interprets these detailed scans to track changes in bone density over time, monitor treatment effectiveness, and assess fracture risk, making DEXA scanning a vital tool in maintaining bone health for Montana residents.
Explore Personalized Care Approaches for Bone Health at Great Falls Clinic
While osteoporosis and osteopenia can’t be cured, healthcare providers can help manage these conditions and sometimes even improve bone density through various treatments. The foundation of treatment typically begins with optimizing vitamin D and calcium levels through supplementation. For more advanced cases, medications may be prescribed to slow down bone loss.4, 5
Post-menopausal women may be candidates for estrogen therapy, which can effectively slow bone deterioration while addressing other menopausal symptoms.4 However, this treatment requires careful consideration, as estrogen therapy carries potential risks including increased chances of breast cancer, cardiovascular complications, and blood clots.6 Your healthcare provider will work with you to weigh these benefits and risks to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your situation.
At Great Falls Clinic and Hospital, specialists develop personalized treatment plans considering factors like:
- Family history
- Lifestyle and activity level
- Dietary preferences and restrictions
- Medical conditions that might affect bone health
- Medication interactions
The Great Falls Clinic Orthopedic Center offers comprehensive bone health services where our specialists develop personalized treatment plans using the latest evidence-based approaches. Our multidisciplinary team includes orthopedic surgeons, bone health specialists, pain management, and physical therapists who work together to create integrated care plans. Our collaborative approach ensures that each patient receives a personalized treatment plan.
Take Action for Better Bone Health in Great Falls, MT
Remember, preventing osteoporosis is easier than treating it. By combining proper nutrition, regular exercise, and preventive healthcare available right here in Montana, you can maintain strong bones throughout your life. Take advantage of local resources and healthcare providers who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of maintaining bone health in our beautiful state.
For more information about bone health programs and services or if you’re concerned about your bone health, contact Great Falls Clinic for preventive health services. Your journey to better bone health starts right here in Montana.
Ready to schedule a consultation? Call us at (406) 454-7311 or visit https://gfclinic.com/department/orthopedics/ to learn more. We look forward to serving you.
Sources
- (2017, March). Over 60 in the 406. Montana BRFSS. https://dphhs.mt.gov/assets/publichealth/BRFSS/Factors/BRFSSOver60inthe406.pdf
- Osteoporosis. University of California San Francisco. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/osteoporosis
- Osteoporosis. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351968#:~:text=Osteoporosis%20weakens%20bone%20When%20you’re%20young%2C%20your,mass%20is%20lost%20faster%20than%20it’s%20created.
- Low Bone Density. Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/bone-density-test#:~:text=What%20are%20symptoms%20of%20osteopenia,need%20a%20bone%20density%20test.
- Lips, P. (2013). The effect of vitamin D on bone and osteoporosis. Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beem.2011.05.002
- Delgado, B. J. (2023). Estrogen. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538260/#:~:text=Natural%20and%20synthetic%20estrogen%20may,as%20breakthrough%20bleeding%2C%20and%20anaphylaxis.&text=More%20severe%20side%20effects%20of,cervical%20cancer%20and%20breast%20cancer.