Osteoporosis is a condition that leads to weak and brittle bones. It's most common in older women, but it can affect anyone. Menopause is one of the biggest risk factors for osteoporosis, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk. Here are some tips on how to manage osteoporosis.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis occurs when the body loses too much bone or makes too little bone. This causes the bones to become weak and break easily. Osteoporosis is most common in older women, but it can affect anyone. Menopause is one of the biggest risk factors for osteoporosis. Other risk factors include family history, low body weight, and certain medications.
If you are considered to be at risk for osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend bone density testing. This test can help to identify the condition in its early stages, when treatment is most effective. Early diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis can help to prevent serious bone fractures and improve your quality of life. So if you are concerned about your risk for osteoporosis, talk to your doctor about getting a bone density test. It could be the key to maintaining strong bones for years to come.
Osteoporosis and Menopause
It is estimated that, on average, women lose up to 10% of their bone mass in the first five years after menopause. This can lead to a condition called osteoporosis, where bones become thinner and are more likely to fracture. Osteoporosis is a serious health problem that can cause pain, disability, and even death. However, there are steps that you can take to reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis.
Consuming a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is known to be beneficial in reducing your risk of developing severe Osteoporosis. In addition, doing weight-bearing exercise regularly can help to keep your bones healthy. If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis all of the above advice can still help reduce the progression of the disease. There are also medical treatments available that can help to slow the progression of the disease.
Tips to Reduce Risk of Osteoporosis
There are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis. These include getting enough calcium and vitamin D, exercising regularly, and not smoking. You can also talk to your doctor about medications that can help reduce your risk.
Tips to Manage Osteoporosis
If you have osteoporosis, there are things you can do to manage the condition and keep your bones healthy. These include getting enough calcium and vitamin D, exercising regularly, not smoking, and taking medications as prescribed by your doctor. You should also avoid falls and injuries by making your home safe and using assistive devices when necessary.
Vitamin D
How much vitamin D you need depends on many factors. These include but are not limited to:
Age
Season
Sun exposure
Gender
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends an average daily intake of 400–800 IU, or 10–20 mcg daily for women under the age of 50.
Studies in postmenopausal women with vitamin D levels below 20 mug found that ingesting 800–2,000 IU were needed to reach 30 ng/ml.
Exercise
Partaking in regular exercise such as water aerobics and weight training are beneficial for reducing pain caused by osteoporosis. By building muscle strength, the strain put on already brittle bones will lessen.
Osteoporosis is a condition that affects millions of Australians every year, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk and manage the condition if you have it. By following these tips, you can keep your bones healthy and strong for years to come.
How can we help?
At The Myéline Clinic, our chiropractors can help to reduce the pain associated with osteoporosis, increase mobility and help to manage the condition with prescribed supplements and exercises.
For more information please contact our clinic here.