What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and are more likely to fracture. If left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. Fractures usually occur in the hip, spine, and wrist. 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 requires surgery and a long convalescence. It can inhibit being able to walk unassisted and may cause permanent disability, or even death. Spinal fractures also have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity.

What are the symptoms?

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.

Collapsed vertebrae may initially be felt as a severe back pian, height loss, or spinal deformities, such as a curving spine or stooped sposture.

What causes osteoporosis?

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, however, men who lack testosterone can also develop osteoporosis for the same reasons. Women can lose up to 20% of their bone mass in the 5-7 years after the menopause.

What are the risk factors?

Certain people are more likely to develop osteoporosis than others. These are the most common risk factors:

• Being female
• Thin and/or small frame
• Advanced age
• A family history of osteoporosis
• Post menopause, including early or surgically induced menopause
• Abnormal absence of menstrual periods
•  Anorexia nervosa or bulimia
• A diet low in calcium
• Use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants
• Low testosterone levels in men
• An inactive lifestyle
• Cigarette smoking
• Excessive use of alcohol

How can I prevent osteoporosis?

By about age 20, the average woman has acquired 98% of her skeletal mass. Building strong bones during childhood and adolescence can be the best defence against developing osteoporosis. A healthy lifestyle can also be critically important for keeping bones strong.

The following can help prevent osteoporosis:

• Eat a balanced diet, rich in calcium and vitamin D
• Do weight bearing exercises daily e.g. walking, golf, tennis
• Have a healthy lifestyle (no smoking, caffeine and moderate alcohol)
• Ask your GP about bone density testing
• Visit your chiropractor for maintenance check-ups every 6 months.

 What if I have osteoporosis?

Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, there are steps you can take 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 your bones. Care should be taken when lifting heavy objects, such as bags of shopping, children, etc. If you have osteoporosis, it’s important to minimise your chances of breaking a bone. Take steps to prevent falls. As extra protection against fractures, your chiropractor can recommend specific exercises to strengthen and support your back. With an increased research effort, the future for osteoporosis prevention and treatment is promising.