There are different levels of bone density, and this level is impacted by a variety of factors. The key factor is almost always age, although our Chiropractor in West Vancouver also suggests that gender, lifestyle, and genetics can also have an impact on the strength of your bones regardless of age
Osteopenia is essentially a middle point between ordinary, healthy bone and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a more severe condition that indicates a greater likelihood of breaking bones under even small amounts of stress.
Osteopenia is not easy to diagnose and can often go under the radar until the individual suffers a fall or breaks a common bone, such as their wrist or arm. Osteopenia is usually a good indication that the patient is at risk of developing osteoporosis, but one does not inevitably lead to the other.
What is Osteopenia?
In short, osteopenia is a reduction in bone mass. At the osteopenic level, this decline of bone mass isn’t categorized as ‘severe’, but it does suggest that the problem may very well get worse if left untreated or without adequate precautions taken.
Osteopenia is most commonly found in those over 50 who have a natural or environmentally-caused reduction in bone mass. The condition does not always lead to a worsening condition and eventual osteoporosis, but if the patient has signs of weakening bones it is wise to have it evaluated and tested.
Symptoms of Osteopenia
The difficulty in understanding or diagnosing osteopenia is that there are very rarely any symptoms. Usually, a patient will be diagnosed with osteopenia if they suffer a fall and break a bone that ordinarily shouldn’t break. The most common accident and resulting injury that leads to osteopenia diagnosis is a broken wrist. Incidental x-ray findings that were taken to evaluate another unrelated condition might also bring to light that the patient has osteopenia.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a more severe condition that indicates that the patient’s bone density has fallen below a certain level. This is measured (and tested) under the BMD (Bone Mass Density) scale. At a certain point, the patient is more likely to suffer from broken bones after common injuries, accidents, and falls.
Tests for osteopenia and osteoporosis are painless and non-invasive procedures, usually done under an x-ray or a special machine specifically designed to test your BMD. It is a central dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry or central DXA test that is both painless and non-invasive. Very much like getting an x-ray on a certain part of your body. Bone density is then marked by a BMD number and then compared to a healthy 30-year-old individual of the same gender. This is the easiest way for a medical professional to understand at what exact stage bone thinning is and what actions should be taken as a result.
Using the value of a T-score index means that your BMD values are compared to that of a 30-year-old’s BMD values. The more negative score you have, means you are more at risk as opposed to a positive score. An example would be if your T-score is -3 as opposed to someone else that is a -1 score. That means your risk levels of osteoporosis is greater.
Likewise, a Z-score index is also used. A Z-score means that your BMD levels are now compared to the average value of people in your age group. Again, if you score a more negative number you are thus more at risk for osteoporosis then if you score a positive number.
Looking After Your Body To Prevent Bone Mass Reduction
Our Chiropractor in West Vancouver takes into account the lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors that can cause our patients to begin to lose more bone mass than their body produces. All new and current patients at Ambleside Chiropractic in West Vancouver are evaluated regularly for changes to their skeletal and joint health.
Lifestyle
In terms of lifestyle, there are a few things you can do to help keep your bones strong as you age. This includes getting plenty of Vitamin D in your diet, exercising regularly (strength training, in particular, is great at maintaining healthy bones), stopping smoking or drinking too much alcohol, and reducing your intake of carbonated drinks.
- Food such as salmon, broccoli and dried beans are a great source of Vitamin D
- Spend 10-15 minutes in the sun at least twice a week to help your body convert Vitamin D
- During the winter months, it is also essential to take a Vitamin D3 supplement
- Calcium and Magnesium are also essential – speak to our Chiropractor in West Vancovuer about a healthy diet plan
Medical Causes of Osteopenia/Osteoporosis
Some medical conditions can result in a reduction of bone mass, such as eating disorders, chemotherapy treatment, untreated celiac disease, and certain medications. Because of the variety of factors at play here, it is always wise to get regular check-ups to check for general health. Each individual responds differently to certain conditions and medications – a medical professional will be able to personally diagnose your condition.
Treatment for Onset Osteopenia
Osteopenia and Osteoporosis are fairly common conditions in people of a certain age and gender. Tests for the condition are recommended if you are a woman over the age of 65, a post-menopausal woman of 50 or over, a man over the age of 50 with risk factors, or if you break a bone over the age of 50.
Once testing is complete, certain medical treatments can be introduced alongside lifestyle changes. Some of these medications do have side-effects and as a result, are not always recommended. However, in certain situations, they can be very effective at helping your bone stay healthy or strong.
The best way to prevent either osteopenia and osteoporosis is prevention. Have adequate amounts of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D, regular weight training exercise, lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, and overindulgence of alcohol and soda drinks. Speak with our Chiropractor in West Vancouver if you have any questions and he will be glad to help.
