The development of bones in your body is constantly evolving. The old bones breakdown while new ones replace them. Until in your 30’s there are more new bones being developed than there are old bones breaking down. You reach the peak of your bone density right around this period, after which the rate of old bone breakdown overtakes the rate of bone replacement. This is also the start of the deterioration of your bone structures. With aging comes wear and tear of your body and the degeneration of its organs. The process can result to weaker bones.
The process of bone development lets the bones to be progressively weaker and more brittle over time. Mild to moderate changes of this kind is what doctors call osteopenia. The condition when there is significant bone loss is called osteoporosis.
Statistics from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons show that of the Americans over 50 years old, 50 percent of the women and 25 percent of the men will experience bone fracture due to osteoporosis. The common conditions of broken bones are those of the hips, arm, leg, wrist. Broken hip is the most serious. It not only affects movement but also the person’s quality of life.
Causes of Osteoporosis
The real cause of osteoporosis is not known even by the medical doctors. What they have positively identified are the factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis and those who are at risk for this condition.
Unfortunately, many of these risk factors are beyond your control:
- Getting old – People over 50 have higher risks.
- Having history of osteoporosis in the family – Those with parents or siblings who have osteoporosis are more likely to experience it also.
- Female gender and having experienced menopause – Women have lower bone destiny than men due to hormonal differences. Menopause decreases a women’s estrogen level, which lead to bone loss. These factors increase the risk for osteoporosis.
- Caucasian or of Asian descent – Whites and those of Asian origin are more susceptible to this condition than other races.
- Having height loss over time – Age-related height loss indicates decreasing bone mass and density.
- Low body mass – Those with small body build are at a higher risk because of lower bone mass where the body will get calcium from.
- Having history of osteopenia
- Having history of hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease – These are hormone-related medical conditions.
The risk factors that you can control are:
- Lack of calcium and Vitamin D – Calcium is vital for a healthy bone development. Vitamin D facilitates calcium production.
- Unhealthy diet – Excess amount of sodium, protein and caffeine and lack of fruits and vegetable in your diet
- Lack of physical activity – Regular physical exercise strengthens the bones.
- Smoking and excessive alcohol – Nicotine and toxins from tobacco smoke and alcohol interfere with the body’s ability to absorb calcium.
Cure for Osteoporosis
Another unfortunate fact on your bones is that bone mass and structures, once lost, cannot be replaced. Treatment for osteoporosis is focused on retaining whatever bone mass there is in a person.
Treatment of osteoporosis is a major concern of endocrinologists and chiropractic doctors. The treatment methods they use include:
- Medications – Estrogen replacement therapy for women may be prescribed. Other medications to prevent bone loss and encourage bone maintenance include calcitonin and bisphosphonates.
- Home care – Prescribing healthy diet and regular weight-bearing exercises are examples of home care activities.
- Chiropractic care – Treatment by a chiropractor may involve bone preventive health care utilizing chiropractic principles.
Be proactive in preventing osteoporosis. Initiate changes in your lifestyle now to favor healthy bone development and improve overall bone health.