Make These 5 Easy Lifestyle Changes for Strong and Healthy Bones
Having healthy bones is vital to living a productive life as we advance in age. Many people think just maintaining a normal weight or being active is the answer, but this is only part of the solution. Often older adults will visit a chiropractic clinic when they’re experiencing physical pain but sometimes, we can prevent this from happening.
Bone density often decreases by age 65 but sometimes adults as young as 50 can be affected. Women are more likely to experience a change during the first few years of menopause. While certain factors impact bone density, like activity level and diet, there are some things you can do, like the spine and physical therapy. Below are some actions you can take today to improve your physical health.
Take a Bone Density Test
The Dual Energy Xray Absorptiometry, also known as DEXA, exam measures the density of your bone marrow. This inpatient procedure uses low-level x-rays to see your skeletal system. It uses a T-Score to determine whether your bone density is average, or if you have osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Get More Calcium and Vitamin D in Your Diet
Outside of taking oral supplements, these can be found in dairy products, dark leafy green vegetables, and calcium-fortified cereals and juices. Vegans and vegetarians can get this from the tofu as well. At our chiropractic clinic, we can help with everyday meal choices.
Stop Smoking Tobacco Products
Most people don’t realize that smoking impacts their skeletal system just as much as their cardiovascular and respiratory systems. According to clinical studies, more smokers are twice as likely to experience a hip fracture than people who don’t. In addition to certain cancers, smoking can lead to osteoporosis.
Get Moving a Few Times a Week
Fortunately, exercise doesn’t have to be rigorous to be effective. Going for walks, gardening, or even doing lightweight movements every day is better than being sedentary. In addition to light joint and muscle stiffness, sitting or lying around most of the day increases getting osteoporosis. Our spine and physical therapy services can help with this if you’re unsure about starting.
Talk to Your Doctor About Your Medications
Certain pain relievers, hormone blockers, and chemotherapy drugs can cause bone loss, especially if you’ve taken these for a while. Discuss whether these side effects are temporary or if the dosage can be adjusted. Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend taking supplements or physical therapy to improve your range of motion.
The Spine and Joint Center isn’t your regular chiropractor in Oakland Park. For over 40 years, we’ve treated a range of mental and physical conditions so you can live a productive life. From acupuncture to memory issues to stress management, we believe in treating the whole person. We also have an office in Fort Lauderdale. Contact The Spine and Joint Center today with your concern and we will respond during business hours.