Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones lose strength and density making them more likely to fracture. It is commonly known as the “silent disease”, as it progresses without symptoms and is painless until a bone breaks. Any bone can be affected, however, the hip and spine are the most harmful, as they can cause permanent disability or even death.
1 in 3 women and 1 in 12 men are at risk of osteoporosis. This means women are at a much higher risk of being affected. It is caused by a lack of the female sex hormone, oestrogen which protects the bones.
The key to reducing the chances of developing osteoporosis is by obtaining your optimum skeletal mass throughout childhood and adolescence. If insufficient bone is made throughout youth, the natural process of bone loss with ageing will greatly influence your risk factors.
Other preventative measures include:
• Balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
• Sunshine
• Weight bearing exercise such as walking
• No smoking or caffeine
• Limited alcohol
• Include balance work in your workouts
• Bone supplements which help maintain essential minerals
Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, there are still ways to slow the progression of it. The experienced and knowledgeable chiropractors at Lakeside chiropractic located on Central Walk, Joondalup can recommend specific exercises and supplements to strengthen and support your back. They will also teach you individually tailored balance and coordination exercises to prevent falls. For patients with severe osteoporosis we are still able to treat you as we just adjust our techniques to low force /soft touch.
