As we age, our bones tend to become more porous and less dense. As a result, falls and other injuries can cause spinal compression fractures (cracks in the spine), neck and hip fractures. Many people, especially those who don’t see a doctor regularly, may not know they have osteoporosis until they break a bone.
To date, the research scientists have not been able to actually identify the cause for osteoporosis; however, they have linked it possibly to inactivity and low calcium consumption. It is also believed that drinking coffee or alcohol in excess can have an effect on bone loss. Smoking in excess, family history, aging, and post-menopausal syndrome are thought to be connected to osteoporosis.
Diagnostic testing for osteoporosis
BMD (Bone Mineral Density) testing is the most common method for diagnosing bone health in an osteoporosis patient. Also, a most common test called the DXA (Dual Energy Absorptiometry) is carried out where a ‘T-score’ is given – this test shows a comparison of the denseness of your bones with that of a young adult. If this ‘T-score’ is between -1 and -2.5, it indicates osteopenia and if it shows score greater than -2.5, it means you have osteoporosis.
It has been seen that osteoporosis is common in women than in men. One in four women over 50 has osteoporosis, mainly due to the fact that a woman can lose up to 20% of her bone mass after her menopause. Anyway, it is basically the aged who are more vulnerable to osteoporosis.
If you face any of the symptoms of this disease. You should immediately get in touch with your doctor. You will that there are specialist doctors that are capable of Treating a Full Range of Spinal Cord and Nervous System Conditions at affordable prices. You can consult them about your problems and they will suggest the best course of action.
Exercise to slow down bone loss from osteoporosis
The best therapy for this condition is physical activity. Your doctor may advise you to make some lifestyle changes to combat bone loss from osteoporosis; the most effective way to prevent bone loss is to exercise, that is. Regular exercise helps to reduce the effects of osteoporosis by increasing bone density, by increasing the retention of calcium by the bones, by stimulating the formation of the bones and by maintaining bone mass.
The following are the most important exercises but you need to consult your doctor:
Strength training exercises – Strength training helps to make the bones strong – free weights, weight machines, and resistance bands are great choices.
Weight-bearing aerobic exercise – Weight-bearing aerobics is very effective in the maintenance and building of the bones – dancing, low-impact aerobics, climbing the stairs and walking are great examples of weight-bearing aerobic exercise.
Flexibility exercise – Doing flexing exercises increase the flexibility of the joints – various stretching exercises.
Swimming – Swimming is a great option if you aren’t able to walk long distances.
Water aerobics – Water aerobics is much easier to do because you don’t bear as much weight as you would outside of a pool or body of water.
If you cannot do weight bearing exercise, then swimming and water aerobics are very healthy options. Other than exercise, you can start looking out for yourself; you can start by preventing falls, maintaining a positive outlook, reducing your stress level, to increase your sense of well-being.
How does exercise increase bone density?
Exercise, such as walking puts stress on your bones. You must be able to bear weight on your bones in order to stop bone loss and increase bone density. This is done by a physiological process that causes the bones to create bone cells called osteoblasts. Osteoblasts create the matrix for the calcium and other minerals to cling to, to make your bones dense.
Along with regular exercise, your doctor may advise you to take calcium and Vitamin D; when you have osteoporosis, it is almost impossible to prevent bone loss without taking extra calcium and Vitamin D. As you know, calcium is one of the most important minerals for your overall health. Calcium helps to maintain your kidney function and blood pressure. When your body lacks calcium or you have calcium-deficient diet, it starts to react – the bones start to suffer damage and you tend to lose bone mass at a faster pace. Therefore, if you are a woman after the age of 40, you should make sure you have regular checkups. Most doctors can check your bone density in their office. If you have never had a bone density test, and you are concerned about osteoporosis, ask your doctor to do a bone density test on you.