Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass as well as deteriorating bone. It can go unnoticed, even with the increase risk of bone fracture caused by the disease.
Anyone can suffer this diagnosis, but most think of menopausal women. Why? Because estrogen has a protective effect when it comes to bone tissue, and when women hit menopause, their estrogen drops dramatically, and this means they are equally at risk for bone issues as are their male counterparts.
Risk factors for developing Osteoporosis include:
Female
Caucasian or Asian descent
Family history
Low body mass
Early menopause
Vitamin d deficiency
Estrogen deficiency
Medications
Metabolic disorders
Low calcium intake
Sedentary lifestyle
Cigarette smoking
Any many others
For those already diagnosed, or patients looking to prevent osteoporosis, education is key. Nutrition can be very helpful, addressing calcium, vitamin D, zinc, copper and manganese. If smoking, alcohol, or caffeine are used, looking to reduce or eliminate them from the lifestyle. Working on balance and encouraging strength and proper exercises programming is key to maintaining bone mass and preventing falls or injury that could lead to fractures.
Osteoporosis can also be something that causes pain and impacts function, this is when treatment from a chiropractor can be beneficial, integrating exercises, nutrition and pain reduction into a treatment plan.
If you are looking for more information, check out Osteoporosis Canada