OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteoporosis is a condition whereby bones become weaker, less dense and more fragile, often leading to a broken bone.
It is estimated that 3 million people in the UK have Osteoporosis. In the UK, one in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 will fracture a bone as a result of Osteoporotic bones disease. With our raging population, this is said to increase.
Its important to remember, Osteoporosis is a silent condition with NO symptoms. The first time you are told you have Osteoporosis is usually once you have had a fractured bone. Certain Osteoporotic fractures for example of the hip can have devastating consequences. Over 300,000 people every year receive treatment in hospital for ‘Fragility fractures'(fractures that occur from standing height or less). Wrist, hip and vertebral fractures are the most common with Osteoporosis. The Osteoporosis Foundation suggested that 37% of men that sustain an osteoporotic hip fracture will die in the first year following the break. If you would like to know more about Osteoporosis in men feel free to download this brochure.
Factors that increase your risk of developing Osteoporosis:
- Malabsorption issues
- Inflammatory conditions like, Crohn’s disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disorder.
- Hyperthyroid disease (overactive thyroid), Hyperparathyroid disease.
- Long term use of steroids like Prednisolone
- Heavy drinking or smoking
- previous fractures
- low body weight (those with a weight under 19kg/m2 are at greater risk)
- Race: Caucasians or Asians are twice as likely to develop osteoporosis
- Age: bone loss increases in later life
- Poor balance & proprioception increase the risk of falls.
An accurate diagnosis of Osteoporosis is conducted by a doctor using conventional radiography and by measuring bone mineral density (BMD) through a Dual-energy-xray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. Osteopaths can play an important role in identifying those at risk. Osteopaths are often seen by the general public as experts in the field of bone health, thus we are well placed to screen patients for Osteoporosis and offer lifestyle and nutritional advice on risk factors, prevention and of course treatment for pain associated with the effects of osteoporosis. A useful tool you and Osteopaths can use to check your probability of developing Osteoporosis is the FRAX tool tool. 12 basic questions that can greatly help prevent the development of a severe crippling disease.
WHAT PRACTITIONER AT THE AARK CLINIC SHOULD I SEE FOR OSTEOPOROSIS?
Aark osteopath Lloyd Tilney can offer treatment and advice to increase your bone mineral density (BMD). He will advise the importance of dietary vitamins and minerals and exercise that is tailored to suit your needs. Please feel free to call or email for more information.