Avoid the risk of Osteoporosis through Osteopathy
Bones being ‘porous’, can be best called Osteoporosis. Most people with Osteoporosis are unaware of the fact that they have brittle bone, Osteoporosis is a silent medical condition, where the bone is being broken or fracturing. Yes, no pain or any other clinical presentations are there that could warn you and make you alert of the breaking of bones. Women are mostly affected by Osteoporosis, to be more specific, after menopause. But children, younger and pregnant women, and men are also linked to the condition of loss of strength of bones.
Strong struts that form the inside of bones become thinner, which leads to the breaking of bones and make them fragile (a minor fall or injury can cause huge damage to bones), which ultimately leads to disability and pain. The cells in bones (two types) that break the old bones and form new bones (it is a natural process) are called bone turnover. This continuous process of building bones are more rapid and fast up to the mid-20s, but as age advances, around the mid-40s, there is a slow down of the process of breaking and building, which makes the bone weaker and marks the beginning of the ageing process. Although affects the skeleton as a whole, Osteoporosis is most affected in the thigh bones and spine, sometimes presented as the forward curvature of the spine in women.
Bone scans and X-rays can quickly recognize the condition, as thinning of the outer layer of bone or cortex can be visibly seen. A decrease in bone tissue marks a decrease in bone density (decrease in space between bones), which determines bone strength ( strength decreases as bone density decreases). Bone strength decreases with age, but Osteoporosis is a condition, where alteration occurs from the normal process because, in a healthy man, bone formation and bone resorption occur in a well organized and balanced form, but in Osteoporosis, there is loss of this balance. As no adequate bones are formed during remodelling, bone resorption occurring at an excessive rate are the possible reasons for the same.
Osteopathy can improve the condition and help the sufferers!
Osteoporosis types
- Primary type 1 -reduction in estrogen production in the female after the attainment of menopause
- Primary type 2 -in both men and women after 75 years of age (females more likely to develop than males).
- Secondary -effects of certain drugs or medical conditions (males are more prone compared to females)
The hip, wrist, and spine are the areas of the body which are at a higher risk of Osteoporosis.
Causes And Risk Factors Of Osteoporosis
- Genetics
- Age
- Gender – females are more affected than males, menopause increases the risk to a higher level.
- Race
- Fracture -previous bone fracture accelerates the condition.
- Fall
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Underweight
- Medical conditions such as low levels of estrogen and testosterone in females and males respectively, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Hyperthyroidism, and Parathyroid disorders, etc.
- Intake of certain medications which include anti-epileptic drugs, steroids (continuous intake for more than 3 months)
Signs And Symptoms Of Osteoporosis
Common symptoms of Osteoporosis:
- Breathlessness
- Bulged belly (tummy)
- Back pain
- Loss of balance
Signs of Osteoporosis:
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Urinary incontinence
- Height loss
- Family history
- ‘Dowager’s hump’
- Breaking of hip or wrist (might be due to a minor accident)
- Change in shape of the spine
Management Of Osteoporosis Through Osteopathy
Osteopathy can do a lot in the prevention of the condition and diminish the future complications of breakage of the bone. Osteopaths are experts who are well trained to screen the affected patients and provide proper advice and guidelines in treatment and prevention. A diagnosis at the earliest and preventive aspects are the key highlights of Osteopathic treatment as Osteopaths are highly qualified specialists for bones. If needed, a referral is also provided (moderate and high-risk groups) to seek the appropriate direction for medical care and aid, and appropriate treatment lines are offered which prevent the further consequences that may be devastating. When it comes to pain, Osteopaths are specialized mainly in the musculoskeletal system. So a thorough knowledge of joints and type of pain helps identify the cause, pain, or fracture and stop the loss of bone density that makes it uncomfortable, through the proper treatment plan and general advice on safe diet, lifestyle, and exercises that reduce the impacts in future. Symptomatic relief can be obtained, as gentle massage and movement are given that helps in the restoration of blood supply, and free movement is made possible.
Prevention of the condition:
- Stay away from the causative triggering factors for the condition like smoking, alcohol, excessive coffee and tea
- Switch to healthy lifestyles, maintain general fitness, avoid fatty foods, excessive salt, red meat, oily foods, and eat a well-balanced diet, keeping a watch on your weight.
- Exercises – daily walking, weight-bearing exercises, dancing, jogging, breathing in open air may enhance mood which indirectly has positive effects on your well being. Swimming, gardening, golf, etc also increases coordination, muscle strength, and balance.
- Vitamin D intake -helps the absorption of calcium
Stop hesitation and make a call!
Osteopaths at Richards Osteopathy are professionally trained to assess your condition, the causes, and considering the factors, making a detailed history and diagnosis, adopting treatment modality and preventive techniques that would stop the complications and ensures better health for your bones. Book your appointment!!!
