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Alternative Therapy for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become fragile and weak. In severe cases, even the smallest activity can cause your bones to break. Osteoporosis results from a deficiency in minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. Though osteoporosis is most common in women, men can suffer from the disease as well. In most situations, medication is prescribed for people with osteoporosis, but it is good to know about alternative therapies too.

  1. New Therapy

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, a new therapy is emerging for people with osteoporosis. This program, which is an integrative physical therapy plan, works to cut down the risk of falls associated with people who have osteoporosis, helps improve posture and helps cut down on back pain. One part of the therapy involves learning back extension exercises that help straighten the curvature of the spine that is common with this condition. The other half of the program incorporates what is known as a spinal weighted kypho-orthosis, which is a harness that has a weight attached to it. People will wear this harness for 30 minutes, two times per day. It is also recommend to use it while doing the back-strengthening exercises for maximum effect.

    Nutrition

    • One of the best treatments for osteoporosis is preventing the disease from getting too serious. It is important you are getting the proper amounts of Vitamin D and calcium. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you are a woman who is getting hormone therapy, you should be getting at least 1,000 mg of calcium and 800 IU of Vitamin D daily. Older people who do not get hormone therapy should be getting 1,500 mg of calcium and 850 IU of Vitamin D per day. Since vitamin D has many beneficial properties such as fighting cancer and strengthening muscles, you can safely take up to 2,000 IU per day.

    Lifestyle Changes

    • Simple lifestyle changes can also help treat and prevent osteoporosis. Frequent exercise helps strengthen bones and helps with bone density loss. The Mayo Clinic recommends combining strength training with weight-bearing exercise such as jogging or stair-climbing. Though swimming and biking are good for health, they aren't weight-bearing and do not particularly help with osteoporosis. Limiting smoking, caffeine and alcohol is helpful for people with osteoporosis since all of these substances reduce calcium absorption.

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