How do you halt the progress of osteoporosis?

I also have pretty bad negative numbers in the spine. My hope was to avoid meds, also. However, recently had a consult with a Mayo specialist who stated the data shows taking the osteoporosis meds reduce fractures by 50%. I thought that was a pretty good outcome, but still am not sure if I want to take the medication. I wonder if anyone out there has experienced improvement in their T or Z scores by diet and exercise modifications?

Thank you Teri for this info. I just got my LifePro Waver vibration plate....looking forward to seeing how it goes. The company offers free advice and assistance..so I'll take them up on that..it also comes with a lifetime warranty. I'm just finding the best place to put it...then I'll post as to how I find this machine and it's ease of use. So far it looks like fun!

For over 65 like me those discounts aren't offered. I rely on Radius Assist for Tymlosand Amgen does not have an Assist program. So glad you got the financial help!

Two of the more integrative providers I have communicated with, Lani Simpson and Keith McCormick, have used or are planning to use medications. Menopausal decreases in estrogen are a main cause of osteoporosis. It is reasonable and healthy to avoid medications for osteopenia, and even early osteoporosis. But for more severe DEXA scores or for those who have fractures, medications may prevent pain, disability and even loss of independence. I am posting here for balance, thinking of others who may be reading this thread. There are powerful physical forces behind bone loss and it may require powerful meds to counteract- not forever though. Once density is improved, then it may be possible to use "whole body" approaches. This forum includes people with diverse DEXA results: some who are posting may indeed be wise to try natural first. Others really may find they need meds.

Thank you @windyshores ! Sorry I got your injection timing wrong. Reading the summary notes of my consult doc yesterday and wondering if we were in the same room. I inquired about Tymlos several times, no answer. That might be a good query to the group: "Is your Doctor listening to you?"

I was able to get an assistance card from Amgen (Prolia/Evenity) to pay $25 vs. $250 after my insurance paid their portion. It's noted on the card after age 65 it's not applicable. My doc was able to get that extended for Prolia. I think a number of these drugs have other funds available. as the costs are outrageous. The legwork on my part was worth it and big kudos for my doc for pushing it through.

I would really like to halt the progress of bone loss. I am 79 and have had many bone density test over the years, Each time there is more bone loss. I took Fosamax for over 8 years with no results and Boniva for 3 years or so, also with no results. I had not had a test for 2 years and I really worked during that time. Lifting weights ,walking, Getting on the ionic free motion machine at the gym. (trainer said it was recommended). Taking gobs of Calcium (plant based), D,K, Magnesium etc. And it was even lower this time too. I really am afraid to take anymore Meds. because of the side effects. I am really way down on the scale. Does anyone have any recommendations? NM

I eagerly await reading your, and others', experiences too. A friends broken neck stopped healing after several months while he wore a carbon-steel halo screwed into his skull. The doctor added an ultrasound-genetating collar and he healed 100% within 3 months. Had an excellent neurosurgeon which helped, one who's consulted with sports M.D.s about healing bone. The vibration principle may be analogous to ultrasound though different.

Good Morning Callaloo~
Thanks for your interest in the vibration plate therapy. I hope your friend is continuing to heal. As we all have experienced the drauge that pain has on our days and nights..ever so tiresome, at best...I'm always looking for what has worked for individuals as well as physicians and clinicians. Since I have deplorable DXA scores..-4 and -3.5, in hips and lumbar. I've been in constant pain that's worse at night. For my own peace of mind..I cannot do the meds for osto. I've tried everything I could..weights..stretching..walking..you name it..I've done it. I'm also an older athlete..so I'm trying to keep my activity up to ameliorate the symptoms and pain. THEN I started reading up on the vibration plate and what NASA had to say about what they developed for their astronauts that lost so much bone density while being in space. I did go for a complimentary visit to OsteoStrong and did their workout as well as got to stand on their vibration plate. Oh my....it was wonderful!!! I was exhausted by the end of my day..but slept without hip pain waking me up..first time in a year! While I feel that my bones aren't strong enough for their workout...I feel that I really benefited mostly from the vibration plate. I did more research and found one that I thought would work for me and not be just another 'toy' around the house..that I can't even hang clothes on..like a treadmill! I've used the "LifePro" Waver machine for three days now....15min..2x a day and I can't keep my excitement down! No more hip pain!! I've had three nights of uninterrupted sleep! This company is impressing me with their outreach to their customers as well as their lifetime warranty. It was easy to set up..just take it out of the box...even comes with a roller for easy moving it around. I joined Amazon Prime to get the added discount and free shipping and return. I'm 77 and don't expect to be pain free all the time...but maybe getting a little 'shake-up' going on was just what I needed to feel like the ol'me. I would strongly suggest that you all do your own due diligence when it comes to different modalities in achieving better health and vitality. The articles that have been listed by other members were most informative and interesting. I'm so glad I got this 'easy' to use machine..and that I can already feel the benefits of using it. Finally...some hope for a better tomorrow! BTW...folks that also took the meds for osteo had even better results on the vibration machines then those of us who are not...so there ya go...some hope for us all! Bless you all...have a great day!!!

Good Morning Callaloo~
Thanks for your interest in the vibration plate therapy. I hope your friend is continuing to heal. As we all have experienced the drauge that pain has on our days and nights..ever so tiresome, at best...I'm always looking for what has worked for individuals as well as physicians and clinicians. Since I have deplorable DXA scores..-4 and -3.5, in hips and lumbar. I've been in constant pain that's worse at night. For my own peace of mind..I cannot do the meds for osto. I've tried everything I could..weights..stretching..walking..you name it..I've done it. I'm also an older athlete..so I'm trying to keep my activity up to ameliorate the symptoms and pain. THEN I started reading up on the vibration plate and what NASA had to say about what they developed for their astronauts that lost so much bone density while being in space. I did go for a complimentary visit to OsteoStrong and did their workout as well as got to stand on their vibration plate. Oh my....it was wonderful!!! I was exhausted by the end of my day..but slept without hip pain waking me up..first time in a year! While I feel that my bones aren't strong enough for their workout...I feel that I really benefited mostly from the vibration plate. I did more research and found one that I thought would work for me and not be just another 'toy' around the house..that I can't even hang clothes on..like a treadmill! I've used the "LifePro" Waver machine for three days now....15min..2x a day and I can't keep my excitement down! No more hip pain!! I've had three nights of uninterrupted sleep! This company is impressing me with their outreach to their customers as well as their lifetime warranty. It was easy to set up..just take it out of the box...even comes with a roller for easy moving it around. I joined Amazon Prime to get the added discount and free shipping and return. I'm 77 and don't expect to be pain free all the time...but maybe getting a little 'shake-up' going on was just what I needed to feel like the ol'me. I would strongly suggest that you all do your own due diligence when it comes to different modalities in achieving better health and vitality. The articles that have been listed by other members were most informative and interesting. I'm so glad I got this 'easy' to use machine..and that I can already feel the benefits of using it. Finally...some hope for a better tomorrow! BTW...folks that also took the meds for osteo had even better results on the vibration machines then those of us who are not...so there ya go...some hope for us all! Bless you all...have a great day!!!