Chiropractic care can improve bone health and reduce the pain and discomfort of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly older adults, and can lead to an increased risk of fractures and other complications.
While medication to slow down bone loss is the most common treatment for osteoporosis, many people turn to chiropractic care as a complementary therapy to improve their bone health.
Chiropractic care isn’t typically considered a stand-alone treatment for osteoporosis, but it can be used alongside other medical treatments, such as medication or hormone replacement therapy.
In particular, chiropractors can help manage the pain and discomfort associated with osteoporosis, such as back pain, neck pain, and joint pain. They can also provide exercise and lifestyle recommendations to help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.
There are several potential benefits of seeing a chiropractor for osteoporosis, including:
- Pain management: Chiropractors can use various techniques to help manage pain and discomfort associated with osteoporosis, such as spinal adjustments, massage therapy, and physical therapy.
- Improved posture: Chiropractic care helps improve overall body alignment and posture, which can lead to better bone health.
- Production of osteoblasts: During an adjustment, a chiropractor applies a controlled force to a particular joint, which enhances blood flow and stimulates the production of osteoblasts, which are the cells responsible for bone formation.
- Improved range of motion: Chiropractors can improve range of motion by using various techniques, such as spinal adjustments, mobilization, and soft tissue therapy.
- Education and prevention: Chiropractors can provide education on proper nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle habits to help prevent osteoporosis and manage its symptoms.
Goals of chiropractic care for osteoporosis
If you have osteoporosis, a chiropractor may be able to help:
- improve your bone health
- help prevent fractures
- reduce your pain
- improve your mobility
- increase your bone density
Chiropractors use a variety of techniques, such as adjustments, exercises, and nutrition counseling, to achieve these goals.
The ultimate goal is to help you maintain an active, healthy lifestyle while minimizing the risks associated with osteoporosis.
It’s important to note that chiropractors don’t directly treat osteoporosis, but they can help manage some of the symptoms associated with it.
Chiropractors may use a variety of techniques to alleviate pain and discomfort, including spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy, and therapeutic exercises.
Spinal manipulation, also known as chiropractic adjustment, involves the use of controlled force to improve joint mobility and reduce pain. This can help alleviate symptoms such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches.
Soft tissue therapy, such as massage or trigger point therapy, can help alleviate muscle tension and promote relaxation.
Chiropractors may also recommend therapeutic exercises to help improve muscle strength and bone density.
Chiropractors may also provide lifestyle recommendations to help manage osteoporosis symptoms, such as maintaining a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.
Generally, chiropractors take a holistic approach and may use a combination of spinal adjustments, exercises, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle modifications to help manage symptoms and improve overall bone health.
Chiropractors may also work with other healthcare professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment plan for people with osteoporosis. It’s important to discuss your specific condition and goals with your chiropractor to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Chiropractic adjustments can be safe for people with osteoporosis if the chiropractor is aware of the condition and takes the necessary precautions. However, there are some potential risks.
Osteoporosis causes the bones to become weaker and more brittle, which means there is a risk of fracture during a chiropractic adjustment. To minimize this risk, the chiropractor may use gentler techniques and avoid high velocity, low amplitude thrusts.
The chiropractor may also use specialized equipment, such as a drop table or activator tool, to provide more targeted and gentle adjustments.
It’s important to tell your chiropractor about your osteoporosis symptoms and any concerns you may have. Together, you can develop a safe and effective treatment plan.
Who is a candidate for chiropractic care for osteoporosis?
Chiropractic care may be beneficial if you have osteoporosis and experience pain, stiffness, or limited mobility.
This care can also be helpful if you’re at risk of osteoporosis. Older adults (
Chiropractic care is a valuable complementary treatment for people with osteoporosis, as it can help alleviate pain and discomfort, improve mobility and balance, and stimulate bone formation.
Along with chiropractic care, a comprehensive approach to osteoporosis management that includes exercise, a healthy diet, and any necessary medical treatments can help promote better bone health and reduce the risk of fractures.