Articles - Chiropractic and cranial
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and are more likely to fracture. If untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. Fractures usually occur in the hip, spine, and wrist.
Osteoporosis is often called the "silent disease" because bone loss occurs without symptoms. Usually people only know that they have osteoporosis when their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump, or fall causes a fracture to a hip or wrist or a vertebra to collapse.
Osteoporosis is caused by a lack of oestrogen - the female sex hormone - which protects the bones and the heart. If not enough bone is made during youth; the natural process of bone loss over the years will influence the risk factors in developing osteoporosis. After the menopause, less oestrogen is produced by the ovaries, increasing bone loss. Hence osteoporosis is more common in women: 1 in 3 women and 1 in 12 men are at risk of this disease.
All bones can be affected, but hip and spine fractures cause the most concern. A hip fracture almost always requires surgery. It can inhibit being able to walk with assistance and may cause permanent disability, or even death
Local Chiropractor Tone Tellefsen Hughes from Luck's Yard Clinic, Milford says: ‘Building strong bones during childhood and adolescence can be the best defence against developing osteoporosis. A healthy lifestyle and a healthy balanced diet can also be critically important for keeping bones strong.
Here are the best ways to prevent osteoporosis:
- Eat a balanced diet, rich in calcium and vitamin
- Do exercises daily e.g. walking, golf and tennis
- Have a healthy lifestyle (no smoking, caffeine and moderate alcohol)
- Visit your chiropractor for maintenance check-ups every 6 months
Presently there is no cure for osteoporosis. However, there are steps that can be taken to slow its progress. Doctors recommend 1,000 mg of calcium a day for women on oestrogen replacement therapy and 1,500 mg of calcium daily for women not receiving oestrogen therapy.
While exercise is good for someone with osteoporosis, it should not put any sudden or excessive strain on bones. Care should be taken when lifting heavy objects, such as shopping bags, children, and boxes.
You may contact your local chiropractor for advice on extra protection against fractures and to recommend specific exercises to strengthen and support your back.
For further information please contact - Luck's Yard Clinic on 01483 527945 - or visit our website at www.lucksyardclinic.com