Osteoporosis and Osteopathy

The NHS estimates that 3 million people in the UK have osteoporosis. This is a factor in half a million fractures each year. Osteopaths need to be aware of the possibility that a patient might have osteoporosis, as it has an effect on the treatments that are appropriate for them. We are also in a good role to support people with the condition. Many do not realise that there are things they can do to improve or manage their own bone density.

What is Osteoporosis?

Bones are not solid all the way through, they have little holes like dense honeycomb. They are also living tissue, as demonstrated by their ability to heal after a fracture. There are cells whose job is to dissolve old or damaged bone (osteoclasts), and others who build new bone (osteoblasts). If the osteoclasts work quicker than the osteoblasts, bone will begin to lose density.If a case is less severe than osteoporosis, but still not healthy, it may be diagnosed as osteopenia.

Prevention and Management

It is not always possible to prevent osteoporosis from developing at all, but there are some things you can do to help. As bones are living tissues, they respond to the demands placed on them. It’s a common misconception that running is inherently “bad for your knees”, and that it “wears out cartilage”. In fact, if you do a reasonable amount of running, and you do it well, the body responds positively. Cartilage in the knees and spines of runners has been studied, and found to be thicker than the average person.Weight bearing exercise has been well documented in supporting bone health. Like cartilage, if the body recognises demand on the bone, it works to strengthen it. Appropriate exercise varies from person to person, but you may like running, weight lifting, a team sport, or a keep fit class to name a few.

Other Risk Factors

Oestrogen is protective for bone health, so as its abundance reduces in the menopause, osteoporosis becomes more likely. You may be offered hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or bisphosphates by your GP. Bisphosphates work to rebuild the bone artificially, and are often prescribed alongside a calcium supplement. Vitamin D is necessary for the body to absorb calcium, and about 1/5 of the UK population have mild deficiency. A blood test can diagnose a vitamin D deficiency, and supplements are readily available.

Osteopathy and Osteoporosis

Crush fractures in the spine can contribute to a hunched posture. This can be further exaggerated by hip arthritis, with the overall posture putting more strain on the neck and back. Although we cannot correct the change of shape to the affected vertebra, we can help to minimise its impact on the rest of the body.As weight bearing exercise is so important to maintaining bone density, we want to keep you able to carry it out. If joint aches and pains limit your capacity for exercise, this might be the best way we can support you. Addressing aches and pains like these is well within our remit, and you don’t need a referral from the GP. Sometimes these aches are related to each other, so don’t worry about coming to your first appointment with a handful of problems to address.

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