Exercise in the Georgetown Chiropractic Treatment Plan for Osteoporosis
Physical activity benefits everyone. Period. For those who have certain health conditions like osteoporosis, physical activity is even more logical to counter its effects on daily life. Dr. Butwell cares for osteoporotic patients who worry fearfully that they may hurt themselves if they exercise or do too much. Our Georgetown chiropractic patients who have osteoporosis are urged to be physically active to reduce that fear and improve their quality of life.
WOMEN WITH OSTEOPOROSIS AND VERTEBRAL FRACTURES: Improved Function
Quality of life is crucial! Post-menopausal women with osteoporotic vertebral fractures who joined in a 1 hour group exercise session two times a week for 6 months appeared to have significant improvement in functional capacity tests – indicating that they could function and get around better - and a lowered risk and fear of falls. (1) That is significant! The occurrence of osteoporotic fractures is greater than 40% which often culminate in decreased quality of life, enhanced risk of mortality after the fracture, higher economic demand, depression, loss of independence as well as pain. (2) It is no wonder that our Georgetown osteoporotic patients fear falling! Falling is dangerous due to the potential damage it can do to bones and the rest of the body which is especially not good for an person with osteoporosis and weakened bones! And fear of falling prevents one from fully participating in life. Exercising or performing physical activities that you can easily perform is important!
PARTICIPATION AND OUTCOME OF EXERCISE IN OSTEOPOROTIC PATIENTS
Dr. Butwell is very sensitive to the fact that not every patient does on our exercise recommendation. No shame or guilt from us! It’s human nature. We would like to see our Georgetown osteoporosis patients boost their activity level in some way as we know it will have a beneficial effect. In a review of 20 published studies (1824 patients), exercise significantly improved lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density and alleviated pain for primary osteoporosis patients. (3) Another study that is underway is evaluating how a 24-weeks-of-a-individualized exercise routine of aerobic and strength training exercises might expectantly positively affect muscle strength, balance, and bone mineral density as well as pain. (4) Together, Dr. Butwell and you will put together the right mix of activities to raise your desire to take part in some physical activity exercise!
CONTACT Dr. Butwell
Osteoporotic patients must know that physical activity and exercise helps them physically and mentally, enhancing their quality of life. Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Kevin Moriarty on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes treatment of a compression fracture of bone following The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management. Then, schedule your Georgetown chiropractic visit soon! We are privileged to be your healthcare partner as you handle osteoporosis.
