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Osteoporosis

Published on 29 November 2016  | Download | back to previous

In the UK alone, 1 in 2 women over the age of 50 will break a bone due to Osteoporosis. For men, it is 1 in 5. During a survey in 2014 which looked at 3,000 people suffering from the condition, 42% had experienced fractures that have resulted in long-term pain that they do not believe will go away. Awareness about Osteoporosis must be made as 1/5 of women who have broken a bone break 3 or more before being diagnosed with Osteoporosis. This is why we are trying to raise people's understanding of the condition. What is it? Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones to a fragile state and therefore makes you more prone to fractures. It can cause fractures even by the impact of a sneeze or a minor fall. Although Osteoporosis can affect all bones in the body, the most common areas are wrists, hips and spinal bones. Symptoms • Multiple fractures that are caused my minor or major falls. • Back pain • Loss of weight over time • Stooped posture What causes it? As you age, you start to lose bone density, usually after your late 20s. This happens naturally to everyone but some people can lose bone density quicker. Women are at more risk of Osteoporosis as females naturally have smaller and thinner bones than men. The menopause can also affect bone density due to the hormone changes. Low testosterone in men can also be a factor that can cause the condition. But there are also many other causes and the condition is usually born of a mix of factors. Contributing factors • Medication that includes steroids • Smoking • Alcohol • Poor diet • Inactivity Wolff’s law Wolff's Law states that bones grow and remodel themselves in response to the forces they are placed upon it. This is very important when looking at treatment options. We need to continue to therapeutically stress the skeletal system through gentle exercise and activity in order to improve the health of our bones. What to do if you suspect you have osteoporosis? • Speak with your primary health care provider. They can refer you for a DEXA scan and possibly prescribe mineralising medication depending on the outcome • Reduce your intake of carbonated drinks, alcohol and caffeine • Eat more protein rich food; bone is made up of 50% protein and is under a constant turnover • Increase your intake of magnesium (i.e. nuts), Calcium and Vitamin D (They go hand in hand!) • Have your hormones checked (Oestrogen and testosterone protect bone mineralisation) • Keep active (Swimming and vibration plates are ideal in even the more severe stages) The main thing to remember is this is a reversible condition and can most of the time be managed through lifestyle choices. If you have any concerns please contact Young’s Spinal Health and speak with one of our Chiropractors on 01656 856162. http://www.wallerwellness.com/health-aging/10-ways-to-prevent-or-reverse-osteoporosis http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Osteoporosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/understanding-osteoporosis-symptoms http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/osteoporosis/why-women-are-greater-risk-developing-osteoporosis