Osteoporosis + Original Articles

Do People Really Shrink Over Time?

For generations, shrinking, stooping, and even a "dowager's hump" were thought to be inevitable. Today we know that with proper self-care, you can avoid shrinking as you get older. Find out what causes age-related height loss, and three ways to help avoid it. Starting at about age 40, most people lose approximately a half-inch of height per decade. The reason: degeneration and compression of spinal discs and vertebrae, which begin to show wear-and-tear damage during middle age. As the spongy pads that protect and separate our vertebrae become thinner and less flexible, our spine becomes shorter.

The Trouble With Tea

Five ingredients in tea can potentially harm your health. Here's what you need to know. America is a nation of tea drinkers. According to recent estimates, we consume about three billion gallons of the brew annually. Tea, which is made by steeping the air-cured (black) or fresh (green) leaves of the camellia sinensis plant in boiling water, is often touted as a healthy alternative to everything from liquor to soda.

6 Super Foods for Bone Health

Eating right will help you stand tall and stay mobile well into your golden years. Be good to your bones by learning which foods keep your skeleton strong. Sticks and stones won't break your bones if you pay attention to what you eat. Sure, you can take supplements to make up for a short fall, but there's no better way to maintain bone strength and density—and avoid breaks and osteoporosis in later years—than through proper nutrition.

Exercising With Osteoporosis: Dos and Dont's

Sure, there are moves to avoid, but there are also certain ones that can help with strength and posture. Though you may feel cautious, exercise could be one of the best things you can do if you have osteoporosis. That's because some exercises help preserve and strengthen your bones. However, some forms of physical activity can do more harm than good and what may be good for one person's bones may not be good for another's.

Chiropractic Care: Benefits Beyond the Back

Spinal manipulation is a helpful element of ongoing pain treatment for many. Learn what to expect from your visit to the chiropractor. Pain is never easy to live with, but pain has an important place in our lives. It can be a warning that we're harming our bodies or a sign that something isn't right and needs investigating. As we age, improper lifting, sharp or sudden movements, or participating in sports can strain or injure the soft tissue areas surrounding the spine—often resulting in acute pain lasting a days or weeks.

Bone Density Test: Who Needs It and How Often?

Are you at risk of a bone fracture or break? The results of a bone density test will help let you know. Bone densitometry, or bone density testing, uses low energy x-rays to precisely measure the mineral content of the bones in your arms, hips, and spine, from which your doctor can determine their thickness and strength. The test lasts only 15 to 20 minutes, during which time you will have to lay still on your back with your arms at your sides.

7 Surprising Causes of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is often associated with age, but smoking, alcohol abuse, and poor nutrition can play a role as well. We know osteoporosis can come with age, especially for post-menopausal women, but there are other causes for osteoporosis that aren't as well known. What are the hidden causes of this dangerous bone disease? Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become porous, lose density and strength, and become brittle and prone to breaking.

Osteoporosis-Related Pain: Causes and Treatment Options

Understanding the source of your discomfort is the first step in receiving the right treatment regimen. Osteoporosis is sometimes called "the silent disease" because the decreased bone mass and fragile bones that characterize the condition may not be accompanied by any obvious symptoms. If you do feel pain, it is mostly likely the result of a bone fracture or break you were not even aware you had.

The Link Between Menopause and Osteoporosis

Find out the link and how you can prevent osteoporosis from complicating your life. Women's bodies can change a lot after menopause and one of the most ominous changes could be the development of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that occurs when bones become porous and brittle. The minerals that make up the bone become less dense, weakening bones and increasing risk for breakage.

Hip Replacement: Your Pressing Questions, Answered

How is a hip replaced? What are symptoms after? What's the recovery time? Get straightforward answers to these and other questions. People are living longer than ever and staying more active while they're at it. In fact, many are outliving some of their original body parts.  Hip replacement surgery is among the most commonly performed procedures in America. We know you have questions and we have your answers here.
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