The ‘silent disease’ sneaking up on men — and 4 ways to battle it

Turns out that more men need to bone up on their bone density.

Some 2 million US men suffer from osteoporosis, a slow-developing “silent disease” that makes bones weak and brittle, according to the National Spine Health Foundation. Another 16 million men have osteopenia, which describes mild osteoporosis or pre-osteoporosis.

Despite its prevalence, a new survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that only 1% of men are concerned about low bone density.

No bones about it — this could be a grave error.

Falls are the leading cause of injuries and injury-related deaths in adults 65 and older.

Even minor falls can result in bone fractures if there has been a decrease in bone density and strength.

“Unfortunately, there are no warning signs before it presents with a fracture,” Dr. Paul Lewis, an interventional radiologist at Wexner, told The Post of osteoporosis.

The good news is that there are prevention strategies — Lewis has four recommendations.

First, men should start discussing testosterone with their doctor at the age of 30.

Testosterone tends to decrease with age. Low T contributes to weaker bones and increases the risk of osteoporosis in men.

Workouts that build bone density and improve balance should also be on their radar in their 30s and 40s.

Think weight-bearing exercises like walking, hiking and stair climbing, resistance training with weights or bands and yoga or other balance exercises.

“Some exercises can combine into helping your heart as well, such as pickleball, tennis or other sports,” said Lewis, an associate professor at Ohio State’s College of Medicine.

“Other practical options are walking the golf course instead of riding the cart, taking the stairs instead of the elevator [and] actively playing with your children or pets.”

Lewis warns that not participating in resistance training can mean a loss of up to 3% of bone mass a year.

Don’t push too hard, regardless of the activity — Lewis cautions that doing too much or exercising the wrong way, like with poor form, can lead to injury.

Also, consider lifestyle changes.

Tobacco use, more than two alcoholic drinks a day, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, falls related to environmental hazards and neuromuscular conditions increase the risk of osteoporosis.

And finally, Lewis recommends getting a screening test, like a DEXA scan.

The low-dose X-ray measures bone density to diagnose osteoporosis.

If you do develop osteoporosis and spinal fractures, kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are treatment options.

In kyphoplasty, a small balloon is carefully inflated to make room in the fractured vertebra. A synthetic material known as bone cement is injected into the space.

In vertebroplasty, bone cement is injected directly into the fractured vertebra without a balloon.

“Both procedures aim to relieve pain, restore vertebral height and enhance spinal stability, allowing patients to regain function and mobility,” Lewis said.

“They are performed under a twilight sedation and fluoroscopic imaging guidance. Patients experience minimal downtime and faster recovery compared to open surgery.”