Taking Care of an Ill Loved One

Have Osteoporosis? 3 Tips For Minimizing Your Chances Of Spinal Fractures

Osteoporosis significantly increases your risk for spinal fractures in addition to fractures in other bones of your body. If you have low bone density, there are steps you can take to help minimize damage to your spine.

Be Meticulous About Your Treatment

Your doctor may have prescribed a medication to help thicken your bones. The medications typically used for osteoporosis are bisphosphonates, which are commonly prescribed as a large monthly dose. Unfortunately, a single large dose can often cause gastrointestinal problems. If you experience problems with your medication there are options to make taking your medication easier. You may want to take a smaller, daily dose of the same medication or an injectable form. Building your bone density will not happen overnight, which makes treatment compliance essential to your long-term bone health.

Boost Your Vitamin Intake

Include adequate levels of vitamin D, calcium, and trace minerals that are essential for bone health. Some food options include milk, eggs, and fortified fruit or vegetable juices. Leafy greens are an option that is high in calcium. Spinach is commonly used to add bulk to various foods because it has a mild taste and is nutrient dense. It is easily incorporated into smoothies, pasta dishes, salads, and sandwiches. Since many of the nutrients essential to improving your bone health are better absorbed with food, you may want to minimize the use of supplements and find ways to add nutrients between meals. Retail meal replacements or ones you make yourself are a good choice because they are convenient.

Change Your Activities

When you have osteoporosis, you need to achieve an appropriate balance between doing activities that will help increase bone density and keep you healthy, while minimizing your risk of bone fractures. Walking is ideal because you are using your own body weight as resistance. Resistance training is known for improving bone density over time. When you are in the early stages of treatment for osteoporosis, take leisurely walks whenever you feel comfortable. As your bone density improves, your doctor may feel comfortable with you increasing your activity levels.

You should also discuss with your doctor if or how your daily or work-related activities may need to change. For example, if your household or work duties involve bending and picking up items, you may need to reduce your activities until your bone density has improved and is stable. Spinal fractures associated with osteoporosis can occur with simple activities, such as bending or lifting.

When you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you need to make changes to improve your bone health and protect yourself from common injuries. A combination of medication and lifestyle changes can minimize your chance of significant spinal fractures. For more information, visit http://swfna.com or a similar website.


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