Studies have shown that for people affected with osteoporosis, the risk of fractures increases. In fact, for women who are over age 40,
40% will have a fracture if they have osteoporosis. The fractures often occur in the wrist, hip or the spine. These fractures can lead to a decrease quality of life because of a decrease in range of motion, decrease in mobility and chronic pain.
Researchers looking to understand the effect of osteoporosis and fractures on numerous conditions of health have discovered that women who previously sustained fractures a major decrease in health associated quality in life was alike or worse than endured by patients with diabetes, arthritis, lung disease and other types of chronic illness. This current study Global Longitudinal Study of Osteoporosis in Women (GLOW), which is located at the Center for Outcomes Research at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and published online in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
An article published in May 2010, in the issue of Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (JAAOS) had stated that one in every two women in the United States will have a fracture associated to osteoporosis in their lifetime. It continues that only a couple of those women will be diagnosed and treated for osteoporosis. If osteoporosis is discovered and treated it would greatly reduce the amounts of fractures.
Current estimates show that 10 million persons in the United States have osteoporosis. Women should be educated about bone health as they get older.
What about natural treatments for osteoporosis to prevent falls and fractures?
- Nutrition- Vitamin D, Vitamin K and Magnesium and are important. Green leafy vegetables should also be incorporated into your diet.
- Acupuncture - Both acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be helpful in treating osteoporosis. Studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in preventing osteoporosis in women after menapause (study reported in the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients. Another study found that acupuncture may improve bone mass (American Journal of Chinese Medicine).
- Chiropractic Treatment- proper alignment will help with function. Chiropractic adjustments can also ease the pain associated with osteoporosis. Your chiropractor can also recommend exercises and using a simple tens unit at home for pain relief.
- Weight Bearing Exercise- These type of exercises are key to building muscle and bone mass. Weight bearing exercises include walking, jogging, and dancing. You can also get a great weight bearing workout at the gym by using the elliptical machine, stair stepper and weights.
- Exercise for Balance, Posture and Functioning- Try Yoga, Qi Chong or Tai Chi for improving balance and coordination.
Source:
Women Osteoporosis And Fractures Decline Life's QualityCT Spine and Disc Center is located in central Connecticut- We specialize in treating patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. If you have lower back pain or leg pain, call our office. Call us at 860-633-8756 to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression or to come in for chiropractic treatmentAdditional Reading Resources:
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