Your Guide to Preventing Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is not a normal side effect of aging. It’s a disease that can be prevented by making healthy life choices. More than 40 million people in the United States alone have or are at high risk for developing osteoporosis and as our population continues to grow older as a whole, this number is expected to increase.
Osteoporosis causes bones to become brittle and fragile. This can lead to fractures, which can be extremely dangerous as you get older. It can also lead to height loss and poor posture. If you’re over the age of 50 and have broken a bone, talk to your chiropractor about your risk of osteoporosis.
What Causes Osteoporosis?
There are several factors that determine whether or not you will develop osteoporosis. Some are unchangeable and others are risk factors that you can reduce or eliminate. Risk factors that cannot be prevented are:
- Age- With advanced age comes increased risk of developing osteoporosis.
- Sex- Women make up 80 percent of osteoporosis patients.
- Ethnicity- Hispanic and Black women have a lower risk than White or Asian women.
- Genetics- If you have a family member with osteoporosis, your risk is greater.
- Body size- Petite women are more at risk than women with larger bone structures.
Risk factors that can be changed include:
- Fitness level- Sedentary lifestyles lead to weaker bones and a greater risk of osteoporosis.
- Vitamin deficiency- A diet that’s low in calcium and vitamin D can increase your chances.
- Eating disorders- Anorexics frequently battle osteoporosis as they get older.
- Hormones- Low estrogen levels in women or testosterone levels in men can increase risk.
- Medication- Many types of medicine can magnify your risk of developing osteoporosis.
- Smoking- Cigarettes aren’t just bad for your lungs; they also play havoc on your bones.
- Alcohol- Drinking to excess can cause bone loss and eventually osteoporosis.
Reducing Your Risk
It’s never too early or too late to begin thinking about your bones. If you’re concerned about osteoporosis, you may want to schedule a visit with your chiropractor for a thorough examination. Your chiropractic team specializes in the treatment of bone disorders like osteoporosis. While you’re there, talk to your doctor of chiropractic about how to keep your bones healthy. He or she will be able to explain the role of proper diet, exercise and sleep on your musculoskeletal system. Regular visits will ensure that your body is properly maintained to reduce your risk of this painful condition.
If you’re at risk for developing osteoporosis, now is the time to take action. Talk to your chiropractic team today to find out how this safe and natural treatment can improve the efficiency of your nervous system while providing your musculoskeletal system with the hands-on care that it needs. Your bones are the foundation of your entire body. Don’t take chances with its health. Instead, rely upon chiropractic care to keep your bones strong and healthy for years to come.
Always consult your chiropractor or primary care physician for all your health related advice.