Osteoporosis is a disease that causes the bones to become fragile, putting them at risk for fractures. One in two women and one in eight men will suffer from an osteoporosis-related fracture in his or her lifetime. An estimated 20 million American women suffer from osteoporosis, and many of them may not even be aware of it. Many people with symptoms think they may have arthritis, so they wait for their joints to become swollen before they are actually tested.
Unlike arthritis, osteoporosis is painless until a bone fracture occurs, but you can strengthen your bones and take precautions so that you won’t even have to deal with the pain associated with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can easily be prevented, but you have to get started before it’s too late.
First, develop an exercise plan for 20 minutes per day, three times per week. Exercises could involve walking, skipping, jump roping, running, tennis, swimming, or aerobics. You may also want to consider a calcium supplement, one that’s highly absorbable. Post-menopausal women taking estrogen require 1,000 mg/day, and postmenopausal women not taking estrogen require 1,500 mg/day. Men and women over 65 years of age also require 1,500 mg/day.
While calcium supplements are helpful, it’s always best to get calcium directly from the source. Almond milk actually contains more calcium than dairy milks, so people are better off consuming large amounts of nut milks rather than dairy milk. People with osteoporosis are encouraged to avoid animal sources of protein, so tofu, vegetables, nuts, seeds, salmon, sardines, grains, kale, collard greens, and turnip greens are better options for preventing and treating osteoporosis. Water is also essential and people are encouraged to drink 8 eight-ounce glasses of water each day.
In addition to calcium-rich foods, calcium supplements, and exercises, chiropractic care can also be beneficial for people with osteoporosis. While chiropractic care does not cure osteoporosis, it can help to reduce many of the symptoms associated with osteoporosis. Chiropractors at Premier Health Chiropractors use a natural, non-invasive approach to treating osteoporosis and preventing further injury.
Premier Health Chiropractors can help people with osteoporosis through chiropractic adjustments, relaxation techniques, rehabilitative exercises, and nutrition and dietary counseling. Chiropractors can diagnose osteoporosis through x-rays, so during the first meeting, a physical exam will be performed and x-rays may be ordered. A chiropractor at Premier Health will design a treatment plan fit for you and your condition.
If you think that you may have osteoporosis or would like to prevent osteoporosis from developing, please contact Premier Health Chiropractors to schedule an appointment at one of our five Twin Cities locations. Whether you live in Bloomington, Minneapolis, Plymouth, St. Paul, or South St. Paul, one of our licensed chiropractors will be assist you with your needs.
Why suffer the pain of osteoporosis if you don’t have to? Call us today.