Definition of Osteoporosis: A medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, typically as a result of hormonal changes, or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D.
Bone density increases into our early adult life but after the age of 35 is gradually starts to decline. This happens to everyone but some people loose their density faster than others. This is where fractures can happen more easily.
How is it diagnosed?
Usually with a Dexa scan so they can measure your bone mineral density. Your bone mineral density can be compared to the bone mineral density of a healthy young adult and someone who's the same age and sex as you. The difference is calculated as a standard deviation (SD) and is called a T score.
Standard deviation is a measure of variability based on an average or expected value.
A T score of: above -1 SD is normal between -1 and -2.5 SD is defined as decreased bone mineral density compared with peak bone mass below -2.5 is defined as osteoporosis. When you have decreased bone density but not enough to be classed as Osteoporosis you can be diagnosed as Osteopenic.
Osteoporosis is usually managed by medication to help strengthen your bones. You can help the prevention of Osteoporosis by taking regular exercise, eating healthily with food and rich in calcium and vitamin D. It may also help taking a vitamin D supplement with a minimum 10mg. Stop smoking and reducing alcohol intakes.
People mainly at risk are:
Osteoporosis often affects women, particularly after the menopause (when monthly periods stop). However, it can also sometimes affect men, younger women and children.
Other groups who are at risk of developing osteoporosis include:
people who have been taking steroid medication for more than 3 months women who have had their ovaries removed people with a family history of osteoporosis people with an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia people who don't exercise regularly people who smoke or drink heavily.
People can suffer with ailments alongside there Osteoporosis just like anyone else. Osteopaths are highly trained health care professionals and know how to carry out treatment without causing you any risk. They would never manipulate a patient with Osteoporosis. A wide range of techniques can be used as a source of pain relief.
If you want to know how Osteopathy can help you please contact the clinic on 0781 3592921 or send an email to morgan@thevipclinic.co.uk