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Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition of low bone density, meaning that the bones become weaker and at an increased risk of fracture. This happens because the internal structure of the bone weakens, and the total mineral content of the bone decreases. It affects mainly aging women, but men can also be affected. Approximately 1 in 4 women over age 50, and 1 in 9 men over age 70 have osteoporosis. Some diagnostic techniques used are bone density scans, blood tests and occasionally x-rays if a fracture is suspected.

The best way to prevent it is too start young. This is because your peak bone building years are before the age of thirty. If you promote strong bone building in the earlier part of your life, you can increase your bone density even more, before it starts to diminish. This can best be achieved by having adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D as part of your diet. Other substances that may help are magnesium, zinc, copper, vitamin K, vitamin B6 and B12 and folic acid. Also, weight bearing and resistance exercises cause bones to adapt to the stress by becoming more dense. Before beginning a new exercise program it is important to check with your doctor or other health care professional. Furthermore, it is important to avoid certain risk factors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol, salt or caffeine consumption. The long term use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids can also be damaging to your bones. Some other medications can also have this effect, so check with your doctor for more information.

After about the age of thirty, your bone density begins to fall in most people because now bone is breaking down faster than it can be built. The goal now becomes to slow this process down. If you already have developed osteoporosis, there is still much you can do to take care of yourself and minimize your risk of fracture. Continuing to do as previously mentioned is still going to help. During and after menopause, estrogen replacement therapy is one of the most important ways to reduce the risk of osteoporosis in women. However, not all individuals may benefit from this therapy, so assessment by a physician is necessary.

The role of physiotherapy in dealing with osteoporosis is to establish a safe exercise program that will promote bone formation and strength. This may include weight bearing activities (walking, jogging, standing and bending exercises) as well as resistance exercises (weight training, muscle strengthening, swimming). Balance and proprioception training may also be incorporated to prevent the occurance of falls to avoid fractures.

For more information on Osteoporosis, go to the International Osteoporosis Foundation website, or call the Osteoporosis Society of Canada at 1-800-463-6842. In British Columbia, BC Women's hospital has provided the Osteoporosis Program, which is an education program brought to you by docotors, nurses, dieticians and physiotherapists who specialize in osteoporosis. This program can be reached at 1-(604)-875-2018 and is located in Burnaby, BC.