Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones and makes you more susceptible to fractures and breaks. It most commonly affects older adults and can be mitigated with a healthy lifestyle and other precautions. Osteoporosis does not have any significantly noticeable symptoms, so at-risk individuals should be tested for the disease proactively. At Dr. Pete Lazarnick's Carrollton, GA, chiropractic practice, we can help determine whether you're suffering from this condition and provide the best management techniques. Read on to learn about the biggest risk factors for osteoporosis.
1. Minimizing Toxins
Many common harmful substances reduce the body's ability to generate new bone. Over time, consumption of these substances reduces bone density and increases the likelihood of breaks and fractures. Smoking, drinking, and eating unhealthy foods are all considered harmful substances and risk factors for osteoporosis.
2. Biological Factors
There are many unchangeable biological factors that put people at risk for osteoporosis. For example, women are four times more likely to develop the condition over the age of 50, according to the National Institute on Aging. Healing and bone density naturally reduce with age, so osteoporosis is more common in older adults. Also, those with a family history of bone breaks and disease are more at risk.
3. Underlying Conditions
Breaking a bone makes you more likely to develop bone density issues in the future since healed bone is not always as strong as the original structure. Other preexisting health conditions can increase the risk, such as arthritis, COPD, and hormone dysregulation. Sometimes, medications prescribed to treat other conditions can cause osteoporosis. If you have any questions about how your preexisting conditions affect your osteoporosis risk, reach out to Dr. Pete Lazarnick's Carrollton, GA, office today.
4. Poor Nutrition
Certain nutrients have a big impact on bone strength. Calcium, for example, is an important building block in the bones. Vitamin D and protein intake are also important. To remedy this, start by ensuring you have a healthy diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich vegetables, meats, and grains. If you have an underlying condition that affects your nutrient intake, be sure to discuss your options with a doctor.
If any of these risk factors apply to you, it's recommended to go in for a bone density screening. At Dr. Pete Lazarnick's chiropractic wellness practice, Dr. Lazarnick helps Carrollton, GA, patients manage osteoporosis with natural chiropractic treatment. For any questions or to schedule a consultation with us, contact us today. Either call the office at (770) 832-2226 or submit an appointment request through this website. We look forward to giving you the resources to improve your health and wellness.