Osteoporosis is a condition that affects more than 10 million people. Thirty four million people suffer from low bone mass. Osteoporosis is mostly cause by ageing and menopause. Natural aging causes a decrease in osteoblast activity, resulting in low bone mass. Menopause causes an increase in osteoclast activity ultimately increasing bone reabsorption. The activity of the osteoblasts and osteoclasts is imperative for proper bone strength. Additionally, people with other lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and obesity can also play a role in a diagnosis of osteoporosis. Bone mass can be determined by a specific type of x-ray. Lower bone mass leads to low impact fractures which then cause pain, physical disability, and increased mortality from complications from the reoccurring fractures. Osteoporosis generally affects the hips, vertebrae, neck of the femur, and distal forearm. All of these issues are estimated to cost the health care system approximately $25.3 billion dollars. It is imperative to find things that can help with the issues that stem from osteoporosis. However in theory bones can adapt to stresses that are placed upon them. With this knowledge, one can assume that daily exercise can help to strengthen the bone or at the very least decrease the rate at its dissipation. Once a diagnosis of osteoporosis has been given there are several things that can be done to help slow the bone loss. Magnetic therapy has shown an increase in osteoblast activity. Magnetic fields can penetrate through highly resistant structures such as bone. These magnetic treatments have shown in both animals and humans that bone mass density and cell formation may increase in secondary osteoporosis. For people who cannot exercise such as the elderly, this form of treatment is becoming more popular. Hormone therapy is also a common treatment, such as Fosamax and Boniva among others. Some are administered through pill others through injection. Vitamin C and Vitamin D are also extremely helpful not only in treatment but also as a preventative measure. Finally, a daily exercise routine can help aid in the slowing of bone degeneration. Daily exercise has clinically shown to improve bone mass over time. In addition to exercise other things can also aid in improving or slowing bone loss. Bone loss occurs as a natural aging process. Menopause is brought about by hormone imbalance. These hormones can cause osteoblast and osteoclast activity to decrease. Physical activity plays a huge role in all our bodily functions including bone mass. When someone is inactive, it causes a degeneration of bone. The bones at a weakened state can fracture at a very small amount of pressure. The fractures then cause the individual to become inactive, therefore causing a never-ending cycle. Things that are in one’s control should be taken into consideration to help prevent osteoporosis.
Several studies have been done in regards to exercise and bone degeneration. One such study tested a group of qualified women with osteoporosis, and divided them into two separate groups, one being the control the other being the experimental group. They had x-rays done before and after the experiment to quantify the findings. The experimental group participated in daily walking for 30 minutes, and other low force, weight bearing exercise throughout the week. They continued this for approximately 2 years. The results were small but did show a slowing in bone degeneration. In the spine .85% less bone loss was noted, as well as 1.03% less bone loss in the femur. These results proved that exercise programs that included different types of training for 2 years were very beneficial at least in the short term. It does appear that it is important to train not only muscularly but cardiovascular as well. With exercise it not only will slow bone degeneration, but increase muscle strength, flexibility, and improve posture and balance.