59 yrs. old, Christine was working a desk job for last 22 yrs., having poor posture was just a normal thing to happen. She always took walks at lunch and tried sitting up when her back was tiered. Recently she realized that her cloths fit her differently and she has to buy looser cloths to accommodate for her posture. She had mild back pain but doctors have called it muscular pain. Her stomach was protruding even though she had lost weight and she was also shrinking (decreased height). 

This is a very typical picture of a silent disease called Osteoporosis/ Osteopenia which is caused by decreased bone mineral density. When tested of Bone density (BMD testing is considered a standard for Osteoporosis testing), Christine had Osteopenia, mild compression of thoracic vertebrae, and postural deformity. Now What?  She is definitely not alone.

Osteoporosis is a global public health problem currently affecting more than 200 million people worldwide. In the United States alone, 10 million people have osteoporosis, and 18 million more are at risk of developing the disease. Another 34 million Americans are at risk of osteopenia, or low bone mass, which can lead to fractures and other complications. 

According to national osteoporosis foundation, a woman’s risk of breaking a hip due to osteoporosis is equal to her risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer combined. And a man age 50 or older is more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than he is to get prostate cancer.

Each year, 1.5 million fractures are attributed to osteoporosis, including 350,000 hip fractures. Seventy percent of those suffering fractures from osteoporosis do not return to their pre-injury status. And that is one of the reasons why Prevention is crucial in Osteoporosis- Prevention of fractures and prevention of postural deformity.

Many a times Exercises becomes a missing piece of Puzzle in management of Osteoporosis. Doctors prescribes medicine and refers individual to a dietician which is very important but just to ask clients to do “exercises” or call it “weight bearing exercises” are not enough. Osteoporosis/ osteopenia / low bone mass clients need a very specific exercises approach. They also need specific movement re-training and technique. Dr. Sinaki from Mayo clinic had done a great research for osteoporosis which actually proves that some exercises are contraindicated (should not be done ) in osteoporosis/ low bone density. 

It was also very interesting to see the conclusion of her research paper regarding “musculoskeletal rehabilitation in patients with Osteoporosis” 

Reduction of bone mass and osteoporotic fractures creates specific challenges that cannot be met with pharmacotherapy alone. Physical rehabilitative measures play a key role after fracture and beyond for preventing further fracture. 

Muscle reeducation, resistance exercises for strengthening, and reduction Of kyphosis are key elements for reducing the risk of falls and further fracture. Global programs for prevention and management of osteoporotic fractures should include physical rehabilitation measures. In the long term, critical valuation of rehabilitation measures can be very economical if the necessary Use of rigid bracing, gait aids, and wheelchairs is reduced significantly. 

It is important that every osteoporosis patient learns safe and effective exercise program, practices proper movement pattern.

Please feel free to email any questions you may have regarding Osteoporosis exercises.to askapt@gmail.com or call 978-726-3050.