How to Live With a Spinal Cord Injury and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a main concern for individuals who have had a spinal cord injury (SCI). Almost all patients with SCI get osteoporosis. According to Jelena Svircev, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington, "osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease in which the bones lose density, become weak and brittle, and are more likely to break." Bone loss happens below the site of the SCI, which is why lower extremity fractures are common.

Instructions

Rules of Living

• 1

  Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Individuals with SCI and osteoporosis need to ensure that they get sufficient vitamin D and calcium. Take about 1000 mg of calcium daily, but only if needed. According to the Spinal Cord Injury Information Network, "for individuals with SCI, high levels of calcium and Vitamin D may increase the risk of urinary stones." You may want to monitor the calcium levels of your urine if you take supplements. Consider vitamin D supplements if you do not live in a sun-soaked area.

• 2

  Avoid smoking, caffeine and alcohol. Cigarette smoking limits your body's ability to metabolize calcium, which may lead to increased bone loss. Caffeine speeds up removal of calcium in the blood. Alcohol use often leads to bad eating habits.

• 3

  Exercise. It is recommended that you exercise often. You can do as much as you want as long as you do not increase your chances of falling or fracturing any bones. Try to vary your activities as much as possible. Always be very careful. Consider working with a physical therapist to educate yourself about your situation.

• 4

  Protect your joints and bones. According to the Spinal Cord Injury Information Network, "when doing range of motion exercises, limit movement to stretches that are easily done. Do not force a joint or muscle to move past what is comfortable."