Osteoporosis: Not Just An Elderly Disease

It used to be that osteoporosis was considered a disease that affected only the elderly. We particularly associated osteoporosis with older women whose backs were slightly hunched over or those who could no longer stand up straight. Today, the truth is that an estimated 20 million American women suffer from osteoporosis, and 80 percent of them don't even know it.

Osteoporosis is a chronic, progressive condition that steals bone from the body, leading to fractures of the hip, spine and wrist. Older people can suffer disability and even death from osteoporosis-related fractures. Alarmingly, one in two women and one in eight men will suffer from an osteoporosis-related fracture in his or her lifetime.

Many people confuse osteoporosis with arthritis, and wait for swollen joints and discomfort before being tested. Even though osteoporosis is painless until a bone fracture occurs, it is important to find out how healthy your bones are now and if need be, adjust your lifestyle to avoid this brittle bone disease. The American Chiropractic Association recommends the following tips to maintain healthy bones:

  • Start a regular exercise program. Walking, skipping rope, jogging, playing racquet sports, swimming and aerobics are all helpful in reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Exercising for 20 minutes, three times a week, is helpful.
  • Although weight lifting exercises are generally recommended, the National Osteoporosis Foundation says those suffering from osteoporosis should consult their health care practitioner before beginning a weight lifting program because excessive strain on the bones could result.
  • Those with severe osteoporosis and who have suffered from fractures may find Tai Chi, a form of martial arts, to be a beneficial strength training exercise system.
  • People suffering from osteoporosis should be careful when bending and lifting heavy objects, including grandchildren. Bend from the knees, not the waist, when lifting, and try to avoid hunching while sitting or standing.
  • Be sure to include calcium in your daily diet. The National Institutes of Health's recommendations are 1,000 mg/day for post-menopausal women taking estrogen; 1,500 mg/day for postmenopausal women not taking estrogen, and 1,500 mg/day for men and women over 65 years of age.
  • If you are looking for a calcium supplement, try one that's highly absorbable, such as microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC), or one of the malates, fumarates, succinates, glutarates, or citrates. But don't overdo it. Taking more than the recommended amount of calcium may cause kidney stones.
  • Consider taking additional nutritional supplements, such as vitamin D, C, magnesium, zinc and silica after consulting with your doctor of chiropractic.
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet, including fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds. Try broccoli, kale, collard greens, cabbage and turnip greens. Experiment with tofu, salmon, sardines and grains. Low-fat milk and/or yogurt are good sources of calcium. (A glass of low-fat milk and a cup of yogurt add 600 mg of calcium to your daily diet.)
  • Drink 8 eight-ounce glasses of water a day (herb teas, juices and coffee are not a substitute for water.) Avoid caffeine, carbonated sodas, alcohol, baked goods and junk food.
  • Watch your animal protein intake.

Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

2:30 pm-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

2:30 pm-7:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

8:00 am-11:00 am

Sunday:

Closed

  • "I have suffered from severe back pain and migraines. The treatment has been very helpful and Dr Waisbrots adjustment are very gentle. He also treats my children. 2 of my children have had chiari decompression surgery and he has helped them tremendously."
    ★★★★★ Kim / Google+
  • "I feel very confident in the care Dr. Paul gives because of his wealth of knowledge related to the body, science and healing! Leah is the office manager and is very organized and quick to answer any questions about appointments and billing. Michelle provides professional therapy. All 3, along with the massage therapists, work together harmoniously providing an overall great experience."
    ★★★★★ Nancy / Facebook
  • "Doctor Paul continues to keep me on my feet. I stand, run, and coach all day, then typically toss a couple more hours in after school. His skills are awesome and his personality is engaging and pleasant. My wife and two kids both get proactive treatment as well and are very healthy."
    ★★★★★ Casey / Google +
  • "From fixing my frozen shoulder to keeping me active, Dr Paul and his wonderful staff have been there for me. I see them every two weeks now to maintain my good health."
    ★★★★★ Barb / Google+
  • "Awesome office. Wonderful doctor and Staff!"
    ★★★★★ Leah / Google +
  • "I have attended the clinic many times since the start of 2014. Doc was thorough in his examination and took lots of time to explaine everything to me. He is an excellent practitioner and is always positive and upbeat. His support staff operate like a fine-tuned machine and are cheerful and competent. I highly recommend this clinic."
    ★★★★★ Michael / Google+
  • "Amazing staff, friendly, clean and extremely knowledgeable. A++"
    ★★★★★ James / Google +
  • "Dr. Paul allows me to stay in great shape because I run, lift, and do so many plyometrics my core takes a beating. He fixes me up every time!"
    ★★★★★ Connor / Yellowpages.com
  • "I cannot praise Dr. Waisbrot and staff at Baker Chiro enough. I have been going to Dr. Waisbrot for five years and have had great success. I am a cyclist and have injured my back several times within that time and without fail, they have helped me get back to riding all without medicine, and in a very short time."
    ★★★★★ Bruce / Google+
  • "After two years of seeing three different doctors, having an MRI and several sets of xrays for my shoulder issue, Dr. Paul immediately diagnosed the root cause of the problem. I felt so much better the day after my very first visit. I have been raving about him to everyone I know. He also help my son with a knee problem. He has a wonderful personality as does his office staff. Highly recommend!"
    ★★★★★ RateMDs.com
  • "Dr. Paul is my guy. We bring the whole family in for superb treatment with a very engaging clinician and talented chiropractor."
    ★★★★★ Janel / Yelp
  • "I suffered for years with chronic lower back pain (L5,S1). Dr. Paul has given me new life! Absolutely, hands down, the most incredible chiropractor I've been to."
    ★★★★★ Bradley / Google+