Osteoporosis is one of those of conditions that we can see coming as a real possibility, and it makes us nervous for good reason. It is simply defined as a condition that thins the bones making them more fragile and susceptible to breaking. Menopause marks the beginning of substantial bone loss in women, and both men and women begin losing bone at the same rate in their 60's. Some research indicates that the condition can ultimately produce a bone break due to osteoporosis in 50% of women, and 25% of men over their lifetime. There are plenty of treatments for osteoporosis that include supplements, modifying risky behaviors (like drinking alcohol), and increasing daily exercise.
I have talked to countless men and women who consider it to be one of their greatest fears about growing older. They don’t want the hump. They don’t want the hurt. They don't want the thin bones. They don’t want any part of it. And it’s a fear that’s well justified. Osteoporosis sucks. And inevitably, it afflicts someone we know, maybe a family member, maybe a friend. And the preview of what may come for us, makes the thought of getting older more of a drag.
Here’s the thing. Age is just a number. Most people won't know they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. The visual signs of osteoporosis for many used to be an overly developed hump in their back. But that doesn't always mean you have osteoporosis. It does mean that your posture is experiencing too much flexion, and that can be remedied with corrective exercises. Remember, muscles move bones. The position of your bones, your posture, is determined by your ability to move properly, and vice versa. So getting ahead of it, is the key. And bone loss can happen to younger, more sedentary populations.
Hopefully, you are already aware of the positive effect of exercise. The benefits of how exercise can impact weight loss, or other cardio related health issues, is well documented. In case you are not familiar with how corrective exercise can impact your physical health, here are a few additional reasons why daily movement is important and can help reduce the risk of conditions like osteoporosis.
Here are a few reasons why a daily routine of corrective exercises is a good thing.
If you do specific exercises to reduce your mechanical imbalances, then your overall balance is better. Better balance equals fewer falls, and fewer falls equals less risk of a bone fracture.
Regular exercise reduces bone loss. Thin bones break easier. Therefore, daily exercise makes stronger, less brittle bones.
And if that’s not enough to make you feel better about your future, how bout this? Daily routines of corrective exercises improve overall muscle strength and joint integrity. You become stronger, and you feel stronger with daily exercise...not to mention, you just look better with no hump.
The point is, that regardless of whether or not osteoporosis comes calling, the fear of it is magnified by a feeling of helplessness. Well, you are not helpless. You have something you can do to offset the chances of being impacted by something like the old hunchback. You can improve your posture, improve your strength, improve your balance, and improve the overall health of your bones by doing 30 mins a day with Ouch!
Probably time to get started on something…Don’t you think? We're only getting older…
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