How Well Do You Know Osteoporosis? Test Your Knowledge

Pacific Health Low Level Laser Therapy | Burnaby, New Westminster | Sports Therapy & Chiropractic Clinic
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November is Osteoporosis Month in Canada. Maintaining our bone health as we age through proper nutrition and regular exercise is the best form of osteoporosis prevention. You’re never too young to take care of your bones. To honour Osteoporosis Month, Pacific Health is putting your knowledge to the test. How well do you know osteoporosis?

What’s the Difference Between Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis?

Osteoporosis is a disorder that affects bone density. Bones become porous, thin, and weak, which causes them to break and fracture easily. The word osteoporosis means “porous bones”. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints that disintegrates the cartilage at the end of your bones, thus making joint movements painful and difficult.

While these two disorders may sound similar, they share nothing else in common.

True or False? Osteoporosis Only Affects Old People

Unfortunately, this is false. Osteoporosis can affect anyone at any edge. It doesn’t discriminate against age or gender, although young female athletes present a greater risk of developing osteoporosis than young male athletes. According to Osteoporosis Canada, our bone density peaks by the time we’re in our early-to-mid-twenties, after which point, we begin to lose bone mass.

True or False: Osteoporosis is Preventable

Practicing healthy habits can definitely help us prevent osteoporosis, so this is true!. Building and maintaining strong and healthy bones is the best defence you have against developing osteoporosis later in life. Lifestyle choices, such regular exercise and weight training and eating nutritious food rich in calcium and vitamin D are all important factors in preventing this disease.

“If I Do X, Y, and Z, Then I Won’t Get Osteoporosis”

While we know that certain lifestyle choices do fight off this bone condition, there is also no single cause for it. Certain risk factors include, “…age, sex, poor diet, if either parent has had a hip fracture, >3 months use of glucocorticoid drugs, medical conditions that inhibit absorption of nutrients and other medical conditions or medications that contribute to bone loss.” Smoking and excessive alcohol drinking also increase your risk of developing this condition.

Why Is Osteoporosis Called the “Silent Thief?”

Unfortunately, this disorder has a notorious reputation for silently decreasing your bone density without you even realizing it. Oftentimes, the first sign of osteoporosis is when you experience a painful break or fracture (often in the hip, wrist, or spine).

True or False: You Can’t Visit a Chiropractor If You Have Osteoporosis

False! Chiropractic care has helped many people suffering from osteoporosis, arthritis, sports injuries, scoliosis, joint and back pain, and much more. A chiropractor’s gentle non-surgical procedures provide preventative and corrective care and pain relief. Why visit a Burnaby chiropractor? Contrary to popular belief, chiropractors can and do apply gentle approaches to relieving pain and pressure, especially taking any pre-existing conditions in mind. Visiting your local chiropractor at any stage in your osteoporosis is a healthy, non-invasive way to ease your pain and suffering and to encourage musculoskeletal health.

How did you score on your osteoporosis knowledge test? For more information about how our services can help you maintain bone, muscle, and joint health contact Pacific Health and Sports Therapy or book an appointment today.