Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis. A big, scary word. Simply put, it is a condition of decreased bone mass. Why does this matter? Having osteoporosis leads to fragile bones, causing tremendous risk for fractures. As a person with this condition ages, fractures become even more of a concern, since a broken bone can often lead to declining health. For instance, a broken leg causes the patient to be sedentary, causing weight gain, which can lead to higher blood pressure, etc.

The primary treatment of osteoporosis is taking a pill. And while that is a step in the right direction, I believe that it is only a step. I practice what is termed “functional medicine.” I am concerned with prevention and underlying causes to rectify behaviors that may lead to disease. And when a disease is diagnosed, I review the complete history and develop a solution that addresses prior and future behaviors.

Though the specific cause of osteoporosis is unknown, it is believed that diet is a contributor. In addition, a patient with osteoporosis becomes terrified of physical activity. They are afraid to fall down and break a bone. But becoming sedentary will intensify and accelerate osteoporosis. Instead, I work closely with patients to create a nutritional plan that addresses any deficiencies, while creating a physical regimen that balances the patients concerns regarding falls, while strengthening their body.

The renowned Mayo Clinic agrees with this approach. According to their website, they also believe that medicine alone is not the solution.

Can medication alone successfully treat osteoporosis?*
Don't rely entirely on medication as the only treatment for your osteoporosis. These practices also are important:

1. Exercise. Weight-bearing physical activity strengthens bones and improves your balance. The more active and fit you are as you age, the less likely you are to fall and break a bone.
2. Good nutrition. Practice healthy-eating habits and make certain that you're getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Being underweight or losing a lot of weight unintentionally is associated with poorer bone health and a higher risk of fracture — even if you're taking a bisphosphonate.
3. Quit smoking. Smoking cigarettes speeds up bone loss.
4. Limit alcohol. If you drink alcohol, consider limiting it to one drink a day or less, on average, for optimal health.

*The Mayo Clinic website April 2010

If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, talk with your doctor about developing a more robust wellness plan to treat your disease. You don’t have to sit at home in fear. Take control.

My First Blog.

I am excited to begin blogging! I plan to use this blog to communicate my philosophy on living a healthy lifestyle.

I am both a Chiropractor and Clinical Nutritionist, and not by accident either. I think these two fields of health go hand-in-hand. I plan on writing about all kinds of topics--from Osteoporosis (my first official blog topic), to the latest health craze to health reform in the US.

Please visit often. And if you have any questions or want me to write on a specific topic, please email me at drhov1@gmail.com