Symptoms of Osteoporosis

In the early stages of bone loss such as osteopenia, there are usually no symptoms. However, if the bones become brittle enough to cause fracture then symptoms will be apparent.

Risk Factors

*A woman older than 65 or a man older than 70

*Women are at a much higher risk due to menopause

*Calcium or Vitamin D deficiency

*Sedentary lifestyle especially lack of weight bearing exercise

*Medications such as anti-seizure, oral steroids or aromatase inhibitors

Complications

The most common and serious complication is fracture of the hip and spine. Hip fractures usually result from falls. Although surgical repair of hip fractures are relatively successful, complications and even premature death can result. Spine fractures can occur even without the presence of injury. Because the spine works to support your body weight, the vertebrae can become so weak that compression fractures can occur.

Diagnosis

Dual energy X-ray Absorption Scan (DEXA) is the most reliable test for osteoporosis. This is a very easy test with limited exposure to radiation.

Prevention

*Weight Bearing Exercise such as yoga, walking, stair climbing, dancing, etc

-Excessive weight lifting or exercise that cause extreme twisting can be dangerous.  Make sure to consult with your chiropractic or medical physician.

*Consume foods high in calcium and Vitamin D such as green leafy vegetables,  tofu, almonds, salmon and low fat dairy products.

*High quality supplementation of Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D

*Do not smoke

*Moderate and limited alcohol consumption

Is Chiropractic Safe for Osteoporosis

Due to the brittle nature of bone, chiropractic adjustments should be performed with minimal  or no force. There are many low force chiropractic techniques that can be very effective for back and neck pain without any risk to an osteoporotic patient. These techniques include Activator technique, myofascial release and non-thrust spinal mobilization.