German orthopedic surgeon Axel Klein says that osteoporosis attacks women in menopause in particular, due to a lack of estrogen, which leads to decreased absorption of calcium from the intestine.
Osteoporosis also attacks those undergoing cortisone therapy at high doses over a long period of time, as well as those with hyperthyroidism and bedridden people. Other risk factors include lack of movement, office work and smoking.
Klein pointed out that when osteoporosis decreases bone mass and become porous, and then the patient faces great difficulty when standing and walking; raising the risk of falling and fractures, as well as persistent back pain and spinal deformity.
Osteoporosis can be countered by calcium-rich nutrition such as milk and cheese, and regular exercise and motor activities such as swimming and exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back and abdomen.
In some cases, drugs that increase bone density, such as bisphosphonates, can also be used.