Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a decrease in bone density, this means that your bone become weaker and are more at risk of breaking.

You have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis if you:

• Have already had a break or fracture resulting from a minor bump, strain or fall
• Are over 50
• Have gone through early menopause (before the age of 45)
• Have had your ovaries removed (before the age of 45)
• Have a history of missed periods
• Are on long-term corticosteroid medication
• Have a family history of osteoporosis or fractures
• Have low levels of calcium and vitamin
• Have digestive disorders that affect nutrient absorption

Chiropractors do not treat Osteoporosis directly, however we can give you lifestyle advice about looking after your bones, and if you have osteoporosis how to reduce the risk of fractures.

Is it safe to have chiropractic if I have osteoporosis?

Generally Yes, chiropractic techniques will be modified and depending on a number of different factors advice will be given.

If you are concerned please speak to your chiropractor about this.

We will provide you with general advice on reducing the risk of fractures, the foods that you can eat and the weight bearing exercises that are suitable and safe for you to do.

Specific treatment for osteoporosis may be needed, this is usually with medications and if this is necessary we will refer you to your GP for this.

The following general advice can help you build healthy bones:

• Make sure you eat calcium-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables and dairy or alternative dairy products.
• Having enough vitamin D in your diet, which is essential for absorbing calcium. Vitamin D is found in foods such as milk, eggs and oily fish.
• You also make your own vitamin D from sunlight.
• Weight bearing exercise such as jogging, aerobics, tennis, dancing, brisk walking and weight lifting, and low-impact exercise such as swimming, gardening, walking or playing golf can help strengthen your bones, muscles and balance and reduce the risk of fractures and falls.
• Avoiding smoking as this can reduce your bone density.
• Avoiding drinking alcohol as this damages our skeleton and increases the risk of fracture.
• Avoiding drinking too much caffeine as this may affect the balance of calcium in the body.