Optimum bone health is essential to successful aging management. It’s also often overlooked by many patients who fail to understand or educate themselves on preventative measures that can help maintain strong, healthy bones later in life.
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, more than 450,000 total hip replacements are performed in the United States each year. However, the root cause of the ‘fall’ that may result in a hip fracture (requiring total hip replacement) is often deterioration of the bone due to lack of proper bone care in earlier years. People who experience softening of the bone (osteopenia) are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Attention to bone health is critical, especially for aging women.
What is Osteopenia?
Osteopenia is the softening of the bone. Bones become weaker, but not thin enough to be diagnosed with osteoporosis. In general, our bones are the most dense at age 30, and tend to get weaker as we age. An unhealthy lifestyle can lead to further thinning of bones, which may turn into osteoporosis.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones have thinned so much they become brittle and can easily break. It’s this brittleness that leads to instability in the hips and spine that can ultimately result in fall-induced hip fractures.
Why Women are at risk
Women are four times more at risk of developing osteoporosis than men due to the hormone changes that occur, particularly after menopause. Post-menopausal women experience a considerable decrease in oestrogen, which is the hormone essential for healthy bones. Declining oestrogen can lead to a rapid decrease in bone density. It is recommended that women who have been through menopause undergo bone density testing every two years.
Bone Density Testing
Bone density testing is an essential step to assessing whether a patient is a candidate for artificial disc replacement. If the bones are too soft, placement of artificial discs may not be possible due to the need to screw the discs onto the existing vertebral bone. During the consultative process, Dr. Lanman undergoes a thorough diagnostic scanning process, screening patients’ bone density levels and reviewing bone levels in the blood.
Healthy, Strong Bones
A healthy lifestyle ensures strong bones. Maintaining a diet conducive to bone health (foods rich in calcium and vitamin D), and an exercise program that incorporates impact and weight-bearing activity can help build bone strength.
Treatment Options
While Dr. Lanman does not primarily treat osteoporosis or osteopenia, he does have a network of specialists he can refer patients if required. As part of the proprietary 4D Health™ process, Dr. Lanman may also recommend a combination of the below treatment options when assessing bone health:
- Bioidentical hormone management
- Certain medications to help improve bone health
- Supplements - BONE PM - Calcium, Magnesium & Zinc with Vitamin D
The above treatment options would ideally encompass a holistic plan, incorporating healthy diet and regular impact or weight-bearing exercises.
A Holistic Approach
It’s rare to find a team who approach health the way we do. We take a holistic approach to your treatment, identifying ‘cause and effect’ to help ensure continued movement, flexibility and spinal restoration beyond surgical procedures.
“I'm sure you always hear how much you have made a difference in the quality of living after helping so many people, so you are going to hear it one more time from me. Thank you for everything and for being so sweet, patient and giving of yourself!”
We’ve changed the lives of thousands of people, including your favorite sports heroes and Hollywood stars, helping them to move better, every day.
“I'm sure you always hear how much you have made a difference in the quality of living after helping so many people, so you are going to hear it one more time from me. Thank you for everything and for being so sweet, patient and giving of yourself!”
Ready to reclaim your life? Get in touch today.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA | @ADRSPINE
