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Osteoporosis – “The Silent Thief”

Tom Willemann |

Osteoporosis and Osteopenia

Osteoporosis is a disease that will affect 1 in 5 women over age 50, often with no symptoms until a fracture occurs, giving it the name “The Silent Thief”.
Osteopenia is a lesser degree of bone loss than osteoporosis. The greatest loss of bone mass, which can be as much as 20%, generally occurs within 5 to 7 years after menopause, but can begin at age 35. In severe cases, 1 to 2 inches of height can be lost sometimes causing the spine to develop a hunchback curve.

In fact, bone loss is blamed for 1.5 million fractures a year. Obviously, with those numbers and our aging population, this disease requires us to be very proactive in both prevention and treatment. The recommended form of diagnosis is a simple and painless test for bone mineral density called a DEXA scan often recommended around age 50 or earlier.

The Risk Factors

The risk factors include: family history of osteoporosis, a small or thin body frame, being Caucasian or Asian, certain medications, such as corticosteroids (used for asthma or arthritis), consuming more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day, smoking cigarettes. Poor nutrition can contribute to risk, as can certain thyroid diseases.

Treatment

Treatment often consists of prescription medications. In addition, increasing consumption of calcium to 1200 mg with 800-1000 iu of vitamin D is both good prevention and treatment aid.
The good news is that exercise is especially helpful for osteopenia and osteoporosis. It helps to stimulate bone formation. The benefits are as plentiful as are the choices of types of exercise that can help.

Exercise

Weight bearing exercise, such as walking or weight lifting can both build muscle and increase bone density. Added muscle mass also aids in balance, helping to avoid falls. Weight lifting can be done with free weights, machines, elastic bands or tubes. Tai Chi can help with balance and stability. Pilates is highly beneficial because it teaches posture, spinal alignment and stretching, working on abdominal strength and overall flexibility. Some cautions are necessary when designing an exercise program that is safe for the spine. Since osteoporosis of the spine can cause small parts to collapse, forward bending motions are not desirable. A qualified instructor will be aware of these necessary precautions.
If you’ve been diagnosed with either osteopenia or osteoporosis or want to avoid these diseases, contact us for a consultation and a safe exercise program design. We are experienced in working with clients dealing with these conditions and are available to answer any questions you may have.
 

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Tom Willemann

Tom Willemann

Tom Willemann is a premier physical therapist based out of Bergen County, New Jersey. He holds an MS in physical therapy from the University of Miami, is credentialed in the world-renowned McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), and holds an OCS (Orthopedic Clinical Specialist) certification. As of 2018, there are approximately 14,000 ABPTS certified specialists in the nation and less than 400 of them are located in the state of New Jersey. Tom is the owner and director of Apex Orthopedic Rehabilitation in Paramus. He opened the clinic, which specializes in spine and sports injury prevention, in 2004 after many years of experience in the field. Tom’s caring interest in others and his strong belief in continuity of care, combined with his clinic’s ability to find solutions for the most difficult orthopedic problems, have earned Apex Orthopedic Rehabilitation its excellent reputation with patients and medical professionals in northeastern New Jersey and beyond. A true “family man,” Tom takes pride in his clinic’s warm and welcoming environment.
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