Posts Tagged ‘Osteoporosis’

The Skeletal System – what is it and why is it important for health ? Part 6

The skeletal system acts as a framework for the body and it protects the internal organs. There are some problems associated with the skeletal system, some of which needs immediate action and some needs care and precautions.

- Fractured Vertebra
If a person is experiencing sudden pain following an injury to the back, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness, tingling or difficulty in moving limbs then these can be the symptoms of a fractured vertebrae which is diagnosed by an x-ray. Seek medical attention immediately.

- Fracture
If a person is experiencing severe pain with heavy swelling, difficulty in movement, black and blue discoloration or mishapen limbs then these can be the symptoms of a fracture and an x-ray should be done immediately. Seek medical attention immediately.

- Infected molar
If a person is experiencing an ear pain then it can be the symptom of an infected molar so you need to check it out with the dentist.

- Gout
If a person is experiencing a big toes which is twice its size and angry red and painful then it can be the symptom of gout where the uric acid is deposited in the joints of the body. A blood test and medication should be taken.

- Slipped disc
If a person is experiencing a bad back problem to an extent that it is killing you then it can be the symptom of a slipped disc which can be confirmed by an x-ray.

- Sciatica
If a person is experiencing a radiating pain along leg or foot, pins and needles and it gets worse if you are sitting for long hours, walking, running, stairs climbing or straightening the leg then these could be the symptoms of sciatica which is diagnosed by a X-ray and MRI. It often improves by physiotherapy and painkillers and by keeping a check on your sitting, sleeping and working patterns. Surgery is the last step.

- Tumor
If a person is experiencing a swelling in bone then it can be the symptom of a tumor and one should get the x-ray done.

- Spondylitis
If a person is experiencing a hurt neck then it can be the symptom for spondylitis that is the inflammation of one or more vertebrae or spondylosis which is the stiffening of a joint in the spine and it can be diagnosed by x-ray or MRI and treated by physiotherapy.

- Osteoporosis
If a person is experiencing that his or her bones break very easily even if it is a small injury then it can be the symptom of osteoporosis and you should have a bone scan done.

- Stress fracture or Muscle strain
If a person is experiencing a nagging pain which worsens over a week and it gets even worse when you exercise then it could be the symptom of a stress fracture or a muscle strain and you should get an x-ray done.

- Infection or fracture
If a person is experiencing too much pain in the joint which is combined by fever or rash then it could be the symptom of an infection or fracture and you should get an x-ray done.

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Preventing pelvis or hip joint from brittleness…

Osteoporosis occurs when disintegration of bone cells takes place more quickly than the formation of new ones. This bone loss does not lead to any symptoms for a long time, and is only noticed when some kind of fracture happens. The pelvic girdle forms a stable base where the upper and lower body meet and the most powerful muscle groups and the strongest bones are located.

- Bone substance is built and destroyed during lifetime. Two-third of our bones are composed of mineral salts, calcium being most important. It is integrated in the bone tissue with the help of Vitamin D which is obtained through sunlight and some foods. Bone mass constantly increases until the age of 35. Later, it reduces by about 1.5 percent per year. Bone substance is disintegrated when parathyroid hormone prompts the osteoclasts to remove calcium from bones and release it in blood. Oestrogen in women and testosterone in men play an important role in the metabolism of bones.
- Hormone deficiencies, diet, hyperthyroidism, lack of exercise, and taking medication containing cortisone over a long period of time can harm the bones.
- Bone densitometry is done to diagnose osteoporosis. The radiologist determines the mineral content in the thigh bone or lumbar spine in grams per cubic centimeter. The treatment is primarily with calcium and vitamin D tablets and the administration of calcitonin and sodium fluoride. Earlier, hormone replacement therapy for oestrogen was recommended for women during menopause but recently this method was not in practice as it increases the risk of breast cancer.
- Strategies for preventing osteoporosis include plenty of sunshine and fresh air to boost body’s vitamin D and avoiding alcohol, nicotine and caffeine to prevent calcium depletion.
- A balanced diet rich in calcium and muscle training are recommended.

PAIN – Deep in bones and joints consequence of stress, strain, lack of exercise.

Cervical spine is the most flexible part of human body. The pain in cervical spine is the consequence of lifelong strain, incorrect posture and stress, lack of exercise and excess weight. The spinal nerves emerging from spinal chord that are responsible for arms, head and torso are very close to neural network of nervous system and the arteries that supply the brain. Sudden movements, muscle stiffness, pressure of inter-vertebral discs can lead to compression. This leads to painful cervical vertebral syndrome, which can result in paralysis.

CERVICO-BRACHIAL SYNDROME

Pinched spinal nerve roots are the cause. The pain radiates from the neck across the shoulder and into the hands. The cause is often a shrinking of the inter-vertebral disc, leading to a decline in its buffer function. The dorsal vertebrae are then subjected to a greater amount of strain, and react with osseous neo-formations. The result is bead like or spur shaped marginal spikes which stiffs the neck and press against spinal nerves and the spinal chord. An effective measure is stress reduction and muscle training. This condition is called cervico-brachial syndrome.

LOCAL CERVICAL SYNDROME

The constant bending of head cramps the trapezius muscles that connect the back of the head, vertebrae, collar bones and shoulder blades. The increased muscle tone triggers pain that radiates all the way down to the arms, legs and sternum. If the vertebral arteries or spinal canal are constricted, it can lead to migraine like attacks with headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, impaired vision and swallowing disorders.

THE LUMBAR SPINE

The lumbar vertebrae are located at the lower end of our central axis. It begins with the protrusion of the inter-vertebral disc, which results from the stress on the lower spine. Then, the gelatinous nucleus of the disc pushes against the surrounding fibrous ring. Tiny tears appear and at some point the ring breaks and the gelatinous mass flows out and presses against the nerves or the disc material can spill out. In such situation, developing and strengthening the back muscles is recommended.

THE HIP JOINT OR OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis or bone loss weakens the entire skeleton among older people but primarily affects the spine and pelvic region. This bone loss does not lead to any symptoms for a long time and is only noticed when some accident or situations related to that occur. Bone degeneration can be especially intensive in women in the first five years after menopause. In such situations, sports and a good amount of exercise to prevent painful curvatures or femoral neck fractures is recommended.

THE KNEE JOINT OR ARTHROSIS

Arhrosis is the deterioration of joints and occurs most often in the knee. Its exposure to extreme lifelong strain causes the cartilaginous buffer to become increasingly thinner, non-elastic and stiff. The surrounding tissue can also later become inflamed, leading to a rough deformation of the contact areas and reduced lubrication at the cartilage. Eventually, there is a risk of the joint becoming stiff. Being overweight is considered a high risk factor which is why doctors recommend weight loss.