What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis literally means “porous bones”. The most common form of is generalized osteoporosis where all of the bones in the body are affected. It is characterized by low bone mineral density (the amount of calcium, magnesium and other minerals in the bones), a change in the architecture of the bones and susceptibility to fracture. The bones of the spine, hip and wrist are the most commonly fractured with this condition. If the bone mineral density is measured 2.5 standard deviations below normal, a patient is considered osteoporotic. This measurement is called the T score.
Who gets Osteoporosis?
It is well known that many older women are afflicted with osteoporosis and though they make up the majority of the cases, men are not immune to this disorder. Over 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and an additional 18 million have low bone mass. Approximately 1.3 million fractures a year are a result of osteoporosis at a cost of over $10 billion a year. Over half of the women over the age of 50 will sustain a fracture due to osteoporosis. Caucasian and Asian women are at a higher risk, due to lower bone density, than other ethnic groups.
What Causes Osteoporosis?
Generalized osteoporosis is caused when the bone destroying cells begin to work faster than the bone building cells. This typically occurs when hormone levels change, especially following menopause. Age and menopause are the 2 main determinants in osteoporosis. Other risk factors include a family and/or personal history of fracture, estrogen deficiency, alcoholism, smoking, caffeine, nutrient deficient diet, low weight and a sedentary lifestyle. Long-term corticosteroid use can have devastating effects on bone density.
How Can I Prevent Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is best dealt with before it starts. Diet and exercise can lower risk and help prevent or delay the onset of osteoporosis. Weight bearing physical activity, such as walking or dancing, is necessary to help direct the bones how to remodel themselves. With a lack of physical activity, the bones do not reinforce themselves. Before starting any exercise program it is necessary to consult your physician to be sure the risk of fracture is not already elevated. Other tips include preventing falls by not using throw rugs, making sure stairwells are well lit and have handrails, placing handrails and safety mats in the shower, wearing flat, rubber soled shoes and bend at the knees to pick up objects.
What Types and Kinds of Supplements Should I Take?
Calcium (1,500 mg daily), Magnesium (1,000 mg daily), Phosphate and Vitamin D (500 IU daily) are all very important in the maintenance of healthy bones. Calcium can be taken in many forms but for most women, the easiest to digest and absorb is calcium citrate. Calcium should be taken in small amounts throughout the day for the best rate of absorption.
What are the Dangers?
There are many dangers to osteoporosis that can be deadly. One out of five patients who sustain a hip fracture will not survive more than a year. Fractures in the thoracic spine (mid back) that cause Dowager’s Humps cause a compromise of the chest cavity leading to compression of heart and lung tissue. This can lead to cardiovascular, lung and breathing difficulties and compromise your lifestyle causing you to be dependent on someone else for care.
When Should I Seek Treatment?
It is never too late to treat osteoporosis and prevent fractures. If you experience persistent neck or back pain, if you have a fall or if you have high risk factors for osteoporosis, examination by a medical professional is necessary. Any time pain or limited mobility affects your ability to perform your activities of daily living, seek medical attention. Osteoporosis cannot be seen on X-ray until 30-50% of bone mass is lost, so this is not an effective method for assessing early risk. Testing for osteoporosis should be done no more frequently than every 2 years following menopause. If the T score falls within the low range, the doctor should suggest proper treatments. It is best to try to prevent bone loss rather than compensate following a decrease in density.
Can I Still Seek Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care can still be sought if you are afflicted with osteoporosis. It can help stretch and strengthen the muscles necessary to help maintain posture and balance, both of which are essential in the prevention of falls and injuries. There are extremely gentle methods of chiropractic manipulation that may be employed to help maintain spinal health without damaging effects. Be sure to inform your chiropractor that you have osteoporosis.
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