Osteoporosis literally means 'porous bones', resulting in the bones becoming brittle and the potential for fractures to occur.
Any bone can be affected by osteoporosis, but the most common site for fractures are the wrist, hip and spine.
I have discussed in another article, "Low Back Pain & Sciatica - Is Osteoporosis the Cause?" what osteoporosis is in a little more detail and how it can present if you develop it in the spine.
This article is going to look one of the main forms of treatment for those suffering with osteoporosis...
exercise.
Exercise Exercise is one of the best things you can do to help fight against osteoporosis.
I have treated many people suffering with osteoporosis who have mistakenly believed that exercise should be avoided for fear of causing a fracture.
This is not true, although you should be sensible and discuss any potential exercise programme you are thinking of starting with a health professional first.
Low Impact Weight Bearing Exercise: This is important for those suffering with osteoporosis as it helps to keep the bones strong.
As you perform low impact weight-bearing exercise, and this can be something as simple as a nice brisk walk, subtle increased stresses are placed through the bones (primarily the legs, hips & spine) and the body responds to this increased stress by trying to make those same bones stronger.
Stretching & Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening exercises, although not as much as weight-bearing exercises, will also place stress across the bones, once again encouraging them to strengthen.
By stretching, you will be helping to maintain/increase the mobility of your joints and therefore they will be more likely to fulfill their full range of motion when required.
This will help to prevent them stiffening up which itself can be a cause of pain.
Postural Exercises: One of the common signs of osteoporosis is a 'stooped' posture, where the curve in the mid-back region becomes increased and the head/chin tends to 'poke' forward.
It is this posture which can lead to back and neck pain and not necessarily the osteoporosis itself.
Therefore exercises which encourage a more upright posture are imperative.
These can be performed in conjunction with the stretching & strengthening exercises mentioned above, as it is important to have good stability and mobility in order to maintain a correct posture.
Balance Exercises: This will not necessarily have a direct influence on the osteoporosis itself.
However, if you are at all unsteady on your feet you will be at an increased risk of falling.
Falls are, understandably, one of the major causes of fractures in those with osteoporosis.
Therefore if you can increase your balance reactions, you will be decreasing the risk of falling and therefore the risk of fractures.
NB No exercises should be performed without consulting your Doctor/Health Professional first.
There are obviously other forms of treatment for Osteoporosis, for example prescribed medication (such as Fosamax & Didronel) and Supplements (such as Calcium & Vitamin D).
However, I will not be discussing these here and you should consult your Doctor before contemplating taking any medication or supplements.
In summary, not only is exercise good at keeping you generally fit and healthy, but it can also be an important part of your treatment for osteoporosis.
Do not miss out on the ability to exercise simply because you feel osteoporosis is stopping you...
it is not.
Speak to your Doctor or Health Professional and start a gentle exercise programme as soon as possible.