Osteoporosis and Chiropractic Care

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that is defined by a decrease in bone density that causes bones to become brittle and porous. According to the professionals at French Family Chiropractic, with two Tennessee locations in Erin and Clarksville, osteoporosis often increases the likelihood that even minor stress can cause a bone fracture or break.

What Causes Osteoporosis?

There are several factors that have been shown to contribute to osteoporosis. Most individuals who are challenged by osteoporosis often have one or a combination of the factors noted below:

• As people grow older, their bones naturally become less dense. This loss of bone density is usually most pronounced for women after menopause.
• Hormonal changes have the potential to cause osteoporosis:
  • After menopause, when a woman’s estrogen levels drop, bone loss accelerates.
  • Men with lower testosterone levels may have a higher risk for osteoporosis.
  • Hormone imbalances, for example, and under/overactive thyroid, may cause bone loss.  
• A genetic predisposition/family history is considered a contributing factor that increases one’s risk for osteoporosis.
• Having low bone density is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis.
• Lifestyle components:
  • An inactive or sedentary lifestyle can contribute to loss of bone.
  • Smoking has been shown to increase one’s risk of osteoporosis.
  • Low body weight (a below-average BMI) increases the likelihood of osteoporosis.
  • Excessive/chronic drinking causes an increase in fracture risk due to a decrease in bone density.
• Nutritional and dietary components:
  • A diet that lacks sufficient amounts of calcium or Vitamin D, which is required by the body to absorb calcium appropriately, can weaken bones and decrease bone density.
• Chronic conditions and medical diseases can contribute to osteoporosis:
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Irritable Bowel Disease
  • Celiac Disease
  • Digestive surgery may affect the body’s ability to absorb important nutrients like Vitamin D and calcium
• Medication:
  • Corticosteroids
  • Certain cancer treatments
  • Anticonvulsants

How Can a Chiropractor Help?

Using non-invasive approaches, chiropractors are trained to manage musculoskeletal pain and other symptoms that may arise due to medical conditions like osteoporosis. Because osteoporosis causes a limited range of motion and stiffness, a chiropractor can apply mobilization techniques to affected joints.

Contact Our Chiropractor Near You Today

Osteoporosis is often referred to as a silent disease because it can progress without noticeable or obvious symptoms until a break or fracture occurs. That is why prevention and early detection for diseases like osteoporosis is so crucial. For more information, contact our staff at either of French Family Chiropractic’s two convenient locations near you: 931-919-289 for Clarksville or 931-289-5800 for Erin.