Have you ever wondered what the potential risk factors are for osteoporotic fracture?
There are both intrinsic and extrinsic factors relating to the risk factors of osteoporosis. Genetics dictate the majority of your bone strength but there are modifiable lifestyle factors which contribute to your overall bone health including physical activity and dietary factors.
If you are over 50 and are concerned about the above risk factors of osteoporosis please see your doctor for more information or a referral for a DXA scan to establish your bone mineral density.
But here’s the thing…
I’m trying to raise awareness about osteopenia and osteoporosis as these are silent problems that cause many fractures, pain, and disability throughout Australia. The only way to know if you have decreased bone density is through a DEXA scan. This exposes you to 60% less radiation than a flight from Brisbane to Sydney.
The contributing risk factors for osteopenia and osteoporosis are listed below:
- History of previous low trauma fracture
- A family history of osteoporosis or low trauma fracture
- History of falls or recurrent falls
- Recent loss of height
- Advancing age (greater than 50)
- Low physical activity levels
- Low calcium intake
- Low body weight
- Prolonged use of corticosteroids
- Diabetes (type 1 and 2)
But I’m sharing with you that I don’t have any of these risk factors – I’m not over 50, I exercised heaps as a kid so had a good bone bank, eat plenty of calcium, good Vitamin D levels and my hormone levels are still good. Yet 2 years ago when I had a bone density (DEXA) done my levels were low in my lumbar spine. I was shocked with this result but at least I found out so I can now do something to change this.
The good news is that you can take positive action and build your bones back up with specifically targeted exercise programs like that offered by ONERO.
Get yourself checked today and don’t be scared if your bone density comes back low. You CAN do something about. It’s better to know!
Ceridwen Way – Physio at Burleigh Physio
Gold Coast Physiotherapy and Allied Health at Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach
