PRC - Osteoporosis - What Is Osteoporosis
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is the process where calcium is lost from the matrix of the bones in the body making them more susceptible to breaking and fracturing. As you age, your body’s ability to increase in bone mass slows down. When the bone loss occurs too quickly and the replacement occurs too slowly, your bones become less dense and more brittle and fragile – the result is osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis prevention
Osteoporosis prevention is possible and is the best way to battle the ailment. Maintaining bone strength is key to osteoporosis prevention. This is achieved through a well-balanced diet, a healthy posture and regular exercise.
Getting that healthy posture is possible with the help of back supports, seat cushions, and supportive mattresses and pillows. Natural posture is ideal for back pain relief because the ideal alignment of the vertebrae will reduce disc pressure, ligament strain and muscle pain. In addition, keeping a neutral posture also helps with recovery because it promotes healthier blood flow and spinal nourishment, reduces fatigue and improves posture and oxygenation of blood. Having an ergonomically sound workstation ensures that you achieve this healthy neutral posture during your work hours; investing in a highly conforming mattress that reduces pressure points and improves sleeping posture during the night. By creating an environment in which your back is supported at work and while you sleep, you’re ensuring neutral posture for 2/3 of your day. And that’s 2/3 of your day that you’re spending not only helping your injured back recover, but also giving it the tools to remain healthier in the future.
Decreased levels of calcium and Vitamin D in the body is closely linked with the onset of osteoporosis. Calcium is a vital nutrient that isn’t made in the human body. So if your calcium levels are diminishing, it is important to find it from other sources. Organic dairy foods like milk and yogurt; dark leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli; almonds; and oily fish like sardines and salmon are all great natural sources of calcium. You can also take a calcium supplement, which is available at your local health food store.
Weight baring exercises like yoga, tennis, jogging and lifting weights are all great ways to maintain bone strength and prevent osteoporosis.
For more information about osteoporosis and how to avoid it, come into any of our Relax The Back locations in the St Louis metro area to speak to one of our in-store back care product consultants. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the right support system to get you back towards a pain-free life.
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