How to exercise with osteoporosis

Written by Xie Yi Song
Orthopedics
Updated on September 13, 2024
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How should people with osteoporosis exercise? Many patients with osteoporosis believe that exercising could lead to fractures. In fact, by exercising, muscles can develop more fully, which not only protects the bones but also indirectly provides better support for bone metabolism. As long as scientific exercise methods are used and accidents and injuries are avoided, fractures will not occur. The following exercises are very suitable for osteoporosis patients to practice regularly. The first type is Tai Chi. Tai Chi can be considered a national treasure of China. It is a slow and elegant exercise that emphasizes coordination of the body and mind, and has functions that strengthen bones. Tai Chi can slow the rate of bone loss. The second type is Yoga. Research has found that women who regularly practice yoga have significant increases in spinal bone density. This slow and delicate exercise can increase the bone density in the hips, spine, and wrists. However, patients with osteoporosis should exercise within their limits. Excessive exercise or improper physical activity can be a burden on the patient's body and may cause adverse consequences. It is recommended to consult a doctor and choose an appropriate exercise method.

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Written by Lv Yao
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Causes of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is caused by two types of reasons, one is primary disease, and the other is secondary disease. Primary disease is commonly seen in postmenopausal women, as well as in some chronic strain injuries, and the occurrence of some metabolic diseases, which accounts for primary osteoporosis. Secondary osteoporosis may be due to trauma, long-term plaster immobilization, or lack of weight bearing after surgical fixation, leading to disuse osteoporosis.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
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What are the symptoms of osteoporosis in women?

Symptoms of osteoporosis in women generally include the following: The first is pain, which can be localized back pain or generalized pain throughout the body. The second is spinal deformity, which is often manifested by bending and hunching over, as well as some individuals appearing shorter than before—these conditions are also caused by osteoporosis, leading to reduced bone strength and vertebral deformity. The third is brittle fractures, which occur because osteoporosis leads to a reduction in bone mass, making the bones less sturdy. Even a minor external force can cause a fracture, for example, a simple fall might result in a distal radius fracture. Thus, the basic symptoms of osteoporosis in women include pain, spinal deformity, and brittle fractures.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Menopausal osteoporosis manifestations

Women experience osteoporosis during menopause, generally occurring in the later stages of menopause, which is between 9-13 years after menopause. During this period, women may develop osteoporosis. In the early stages, women can experience pain in the lower back, limbs, and joints, which is actually a manifestation of rapid bone loss. Later on, some women may develop a hunched back. Due to the increased brittleness of their bones, they are prone to various fractures, with vertebral fractures being the most common. This is followed by fractures of the distal radius and the neck of the femur.

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Written by Xie Yi Song
Orthopedics
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Can osteoporosis be cured?

We cannot generalize about this issue. For instance, osteoporosis caused by certain medications can be cured after stopping the medication and then undergoing treatment for osteoporosis. If the osteoporosis is caused by a certain disease, it can also be cured after the disease is treated. However, for some chronic long-term diseases that inherently cannot be cured, osteoporosis caused by these diseases is difficult to cure. Then there are many patients with primary osteoporosis who, after comprehensive treatment that includes supplements of calcium and vitamin D3 and regular use of anti-osteoporotic pain medications, can completely lose their symptoms after several years. When bone density tests are performed, these patients' bone density has moved out of the osteoporosis range. This can also be considered a clinical cure.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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What to do about osteoporosis pain?

After osteoporosis leads to pain, we first need to clarify which part of the body the pain is located, or what causes the pain. If the pain is solely due to osteoporosis, such as decreased bone density in the limbs causing soreness and weakness, it is appropriate to supplement with calcium and vitamin D while also enhancing exercise to alleviate the pain. If the pain is due to fractures caused by osteoporosis, such as vertebral compression fractures or rib fractures, the fractures should first be repositioned, immobilized, and stabilized. Additionally, medications that treat osteoporosis should be used, such as those that inhibit bone resorption and promote bone formation.