Osteoporosis and Chiropractic Care

Osteoporosis, considered an elderly disease, actually effects an estimated 20 percent of all American women. Many in Burnsville, MN may wonder if a disease which progressively weakens bone can be treated by chiropractic care. The good news is chiropractic can safely help many of the symptoms associated with osteoporosis.

Unlike arthritis, which causes joints to swell, osteoporosis, is often not painful until a broken bones occurs. The key is to maintain good bone health. 

The American Chiropractic Association recommends the following tips to maintain healthy bones:

• Start a regular exercise program.
• Weight lifting exercises are generally recommended, but patients should consult their health care practitioner before beginning a weight lifting program.
• Severe osteoporosis patients and who have suffered from fractures may want to try Tai Chi, a form of martial arts.
• People suffering from osteoporosis should be careful when bending and lifting heavy objects. Bend from the knees, not the waist, when lifting.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet, including fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds. And, consider those high in calcium, like broccoli, kale, salmon and yogurt.
• Take a daily calcium supplement. The National Institutes of Health’s recommendations are 1,000 mg/day for post-menopausal women taking estrogen; 1,500 mg/day for postmenopausal women not taking estrogen, and 1,500 mg/day for men and women over 65 years of age.
• Find a calcium supplement that’s highly absorbable, such as microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC), or one of the malates, fumarates, succinates, glutarates, or citrates.
• Consider taking additional nutritional supplements, such as vitamin D, C, magnesium, zinc and silica after consulting with your doctor of chiropractic.
• Drink 8 eight-ounce glasses of water a day, and avoid caffeine, carbonated sodas, alcohol and junk food.
• Limit and watch the kinds of animal protein you eat.

Chiropractic treatment for those with osteoporosis is safe. Your chiropractor will access your case, and recommend the best approach. Commonly, this will include spinal adjustments (usually a more gentle approach), exercises, relaxation techniques, nutrition suggestions and dietary supplants. All of these can lead to increased range of motion and help preventing future fractures.