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Osteoporosis
is a common disease of the bones. The National Osteoporosis
Foundation says that approximately 10 million Americans have
the disease, with at least three times more Americans at risk of
developing it. Osteoporosis is the deterioration of bone tissue
over time that results in a loss of bone mass, making bones
susceptible to fracture. Osteoporosis is often referred to as a
silent disease because there are no signs or symptoms until a
bone fracture occurs. Medications help slow the loss of bone and
even rebuild bone tissue.
Spondylitis
is the name for a group of diseases that primarily affect the spine,
causing inflammation in the spine that can result in chronic pain
and debilitation. The most common disease in this group is
Ankylosing Spondylitis, an autoimmune disease. Cells in the
immune system cause the inflammation in the spine and the
joints between the vertebrae. Symptoms of AS can range from
mild back pain and discomfort to severe chronic pain. As the
disease progresses, the chronic inflammation can cause new bone
formation. This can result in the spine becoming fused, inhibiting
movement. There is no cure for AS, but new biological
medications can help slow the progression of the disease.