Osteoporosis - Rosa Family Chiropractic of Alexandria, VA
Osteoporosis occurs when there is a loss of bone mass, along with a deterioration of the bone matrix. Oftentimes, x-ray can reveal osteoporosis, unfortunately, by the time that it is discovered, between 30% to 50% of the individual\'s bone mass is lost. A DEXA (dual-emission x-ray absorptiometry) scan is the preferred measurement tool, to diagnose a patient with osteoporosis. If you, or someone that you know, have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, chiropractic care and physical therapy can provide benefits to the patient, by attempting to preserve bone mass and by providing relief.
At Rosa Family Chiropractic of Alexandria in Virginia, which is located at 4875 Eisenhower Avenue Suite 215 Alexandria, VA 22304, chiropractor Dr. Jasmine Bradley will examine the patient to determine the best method of treatment. Also, Dr. Bradley will observe the biomechanics of the patient and assess how well the body is functioning.
Patients with osteoporosis can still live their lives. Since their bones are weaker, this patient should perform weight-bearing exercises, with caution, to aid in strengthening the bone. Because the lower extremity endures much stress and many daily micro-traumas, due to its weight-bearing purpose, it is essential to implement dietary changes and avoiding things that would further promote bone deterioration. With this said, in the case of weakened bones, stress fractures are common and are not necessarily a result of trauma. Some causes of stress fractures are: sneezing, walking and simply stepping off of a curb or step.
Although osteoporosis is most commonly diagnosed in women, men are not excluded; it is also important to understand that this is not restricted to the elderly, but adolescents and young adults can develop osteopenia too. Other risk factors of developing osteoporosis are: white or Asian background, family history, excessive exercise in the young, lack of exercise for adults, being a smoker, Vitamin D deficiency, steroid medications and topical creams, decreased calcium intake, taking blood thinners, increased caffeine use, drinking multiple carbonated beverages daily, diets high in animal proteins and drinking alcoholic beverages.
Dr. Jasmine Bradley will develop a chiropractic treatment plan, to help the patient with osteoporosis. With the aim of maintaining and strengthening the bones, low force chiropractic adjustments, along with therapeutic exercises will be prescribed in order to preserve the current bone mass. Dr. Bradley will also discuss diet and nutrition and how it vitally contributes to overall health and wellness. Contact our team to learn more about Chiropractic Care in Alexandria MD.
