Question
I’m sure I have not spelled this correctly! I had a bone density test done last week and now my doctor wants to talk to me about “osteo-penia.” I have been told I have osteo-arthritis but was put on Celebrex, which I understand treats osteoporosis. I know the Celebrex probably helped but the only “pain relief” I really get is Vicadin. My doctor has me on 4 a day. I had back surgery last October and that was successful, however – I need help with the inflamation of arthritis! And, it would be helpful to know the difference and what is best for what kind of arthritis? Thank you for your consideration.
Answer
Too many words that start with osteo—-. Osteoarthritis is an “arthritis”, a degneration of the bone and cartilage of the joints causing pain and restriction of range of motion. Treatment is with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) such as Celebrex, Vioxx, Naprosyn, ibuprofen among others.
Osteoporosis is thinning of the bones. Osteoporosis does not cause pain unless there is an associated fracture. The term osteopeneia also means thinning of the bones but it is less severe than osteoporosis.
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