Living With Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis causes bones to fracture or break more easily from minor falls or injuries which would not normally result in a break or fracture of otherwise healthy bones. Osteoporosis is sometimes referred to as a silent disease because a person may be afflicted with it for many years without any symptoms. Minor fractures may even occur without any pain so they are not detected right away. Many do not become aware of their condition until they suffer a painful fracture. It is extremely difficult to completely rebuild bone that has been weakened by osteoporosis. This is why early detection and timely treatment is extremely important. While there is no cure, steps may be taken to prevent, slow or even stop its progress.

Osteoporosis is quite common. Millions of people are currently living with the condition. Doctors and patients alike would agree that knowledge is the key. The more you know about the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, the better your chances of staying active and independent. The key to managing osteoporosis is to prevent as much bone loss as possible with a good diet, healthy habits, and proper exercise. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you do not have to live in fear.

There are certain things you can do to help yourself stay as active as possible. One of the best ways to keep your bones healthy is to stay active. It's especially important to practice proper daily posture. When standing you should hold your head high, and point your feet straight ahead. You should never stoop or slouch. When sitting you should choose upright chairs with arms and always keep your head, back, and hips aligned. Your hips and knees should be at the same level. When bending or lifting you should always bend from the knees or legs, never at the waist and never lift anything more than 10 pounds. Exercise with osteoporosis can help to rebuild and maintain bone strength, and reduce the risk of falls. A program of moderate, regular exercise like walking, dancing, or gardening can strengthen your bones, help prevent falls and be effective for osteoporosis management. At least 30 minutes of physical activity every day, strength training 2-3 times a week and balance training once a week. To build and maintain your bone strength, there are two specific types of strength training exercises. Weight bearing exercise calls on bones and muscles to work against gravity and bear weight. Resistance exercise uses muscles in ways that help improve muscle mass and strengthen bones.

One unfortunate, and less common factor of living with osteoporosis may be chronic pain. Chronic pain is associated with spinal fractures. But pain killing drugs, drug free therapies, and alternative therapies or a combination can help. Many find that acupuncture; reflexology and relaxation techniques are very helpful. There are TENS machines which use tiny pulses of electricity to block pain. Use of heat or ice may also help to reduce pain and muscle spasms. Surgery may also be an option.

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