Your Bone

 

Corticle bone (hard)

 

The bones are made up a harder cortical layer which is on the outside of the bone. This is the tough part of the bone that makes the bone hard, strong and acts as a framework for the body in which muscles can attach.

 

Spongy Bone

 

The inside of the bone the trabecular layer represents a honey cone like structure. Bone marrow responsible for making red blood cells is found in this part of the bone.

 

How does this relate to osteoporosis?

 

Osteoporosis affects the spongy layer of the bone making its honey cone structure more brittle and more prone to fractures.

 

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Risk Factors for osteoporosis

 

Lack of exercise

 

The lack of exercises can significantly increase a persons risk of osteoporosis. Bones require need weight through them to remain healthy and strong and keep the balance of osteoblasts and osteoclasts to minimise loss of bone density

 

Post Menopausal women

 

Women who have been through a menopause are at a higher risk of osteoporosis due to hormonal activity which leads to a loss of bone mineral density making them mor suceptible to osteoporosis.

 

Poor Nutrition

 

Poor nutrition can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Bones need calcium in order to remain strong and healthy

 

Lack of Vitamin D

 

Research has demnstrated thoes with lack of vitamin D which we get from sunlight  are at a higher risk of osteoporosis. People in colder countries are at higher risk compared to people in warmer climates.

 

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Treatment and prevention of Osteoporosis

 

Exercise

 

Regular weight bearing and strength training helps to keep bones strong and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Putting weight through bones helps to strengthen the spongy (inside) layer of bones.

 

Vitamin D and calcium

 

Foods rich in vitamin D help to keep bones strong and healthy. Vitamin D and Calcium supplements will never be as good as real sunlight or calcium rich foods however in todays society this can be sometimes hard to find and time does not always work in our faviour.

 

For those with osteoporosis at risk of fractures the GP may give sufferes 6 monthly injections to keep the bones strong.