← Return to Young woman diagnosed with osteoporosis

Discussion

Young woman diagnosed with osteoporosis

Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: Aug 25 4:58pm | Replies (59)

Comment receiving replies
@sophie93

Don't worry, it wasn't the wrong wording... I'm aware that the scores on my spine are very, very bad. I'm scared of losing my height and losing my posture, but most of all, I'm scared of fractures. Of losing my independence... It has gotten to a point where I become too aware of every movement. I love walking and I do it on a daily basis, but I'm not confident to get a gym membership and lift weights (even thought it might actually help).... because I'm afraid that I will somehow "crush" my spine. Maybe it's just my anxiety speaking. But I'm being honest now.

I have one more question: Why is it that more often, the scores in the spine are worse than the ones in the hips? It's a pattern that I notice in many people.

Jump to this post


Replies to "Don't worry, it wasn't the wrong wording... I'm aware that the scores on my spine are..."

We all have those fears and they can be so consuming with our bones constantly on our minds with every move we make. Once I went on Forteo, I felt the anxiety release as I was hopeful I would regain some of my spine. That sense of relief is worth its weight in gold. Now I am only on HRT and maintaining but always worry whether it is enough. What I have found helpful is to address my bone loss from all angles, nutrition, movement and meds. You might find Melio Guide and Sherri Betz, both Physical Therapists specializing in osteoporosis, very helpful. Melio Guide has an extensive online presence and lots of informative videos. Sherri Betz has a few terrific videos online and I believe you can book private instruction with her. You can consider wearing ankle weights around your house for additional weightbearing that shouldn't tax your spine (start low) and maybe get some exercise bands which can be used in a safe manner (again, watch their videos as you really need to re-educate yourself on how to move safely). Mostly, avoid curving your back forward, always bending with a straight spine and from the hips, and avoid twisting or turning your spine to end range.

Generally in menopause, we lose trabecular bone first which is what the spine is primarily made of, followed by cortical bone which is largely what the hips are made of.

It really is a whole re-education of living our lives. But if you approach it from all aspects and are diligent in your positive attention to it, hopefully you will restore some of what you have lost.