A review by Joanna Ruddick
[joruddick@summertownclinic.co.uk]
I was very interested to read this article of research in the latest ‘The Osteopath’ magazine. It summarises what predisposes people to osteoporotic fractures, most commonly in the hip, vertebra and wrist. Preventing these fractures is of utmost important as ‘such fractures are responsible for increased mortality, morbidity, chronic pain, and reduction in the quality of life’. Those at highest risk are – female, over 60 years old, having a family history of osteoporosis, white, early menopause, low body mass index, smoker, have a sedentary lifestyle and may have used corticosteroids in the past. Becoming less sedentary and weight-bearing exercise seem to be the key to avoiding fractures in those with osteoporosis.
