Acupuncture and Osteoporosis?

Posted by pennykj @pennykj, Oct 3, 2023

Has anyone tried acupuncture to help reduce bone loss or improve bone quality due to osteoporosis?

I just came across this article which indicates acupuncture may be helpful.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36521826/#:~:text=There%20is%20accumulating%20evidence%20to,KI3%2C%20BL18%2C%20and%20GB39.
I have significant osteoporosis in my spine, but no fractures so far and I am searching for anything other than osteo prescription meds (which scare me). I am trying many new things right now (6 prunes/day, Marodyne LiV, collagen and am getting ready to try L. reuteri probiotic soon) in addition to the "normal" stuff.

A friend suggested I research acupuncture.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

@flowergal

I did acupuncture for years and it helped me with energy and brain function. I didn't notice any help with osteoporosis.
I take calcium, vitamin D and collagen. I walk and normally do weight training on machines. (Low weights)
I had one or two shots of prolia that improved the osteoporosis.

Good luck to you.

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After the Prolia, did you go on any other drugs for osteoporosis?

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Did you read somewhere that 6 prunes a day were enough to make a difference with BMD? I take 3-4 oz of prune juice a day and wonder if that's as helpful as eating prunes. I'll have to research it.

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Penny,

My story is like yours - severe osteoporosis in low back, described by my endocrinologist as "really scary." She is pushing me to start Evenity, knowing full well that I am medication averse. I tried oral alendronate over a year ago, only to end up with medication-induced GERD, so I had to stop after three months. I'm quite bitter about the GERD, as I stood up for nearly two hours after each pill, but still ended up with a serious problem with GERD (which I now manage with an anti-inflammatory diet and fruits such as bananas and cantaloupe, which are alkaline, and oatmeal, which absorbs acid in your stomach). As for accupuncture, I have used it extensively for various conditions for many years, some with great success; others not so much. What is important about accupuncture is what a Japanese accupuncturist said to me once: "Accupuncture is not magic." There are conditions it can most certainly help with, but I am not inclined to believe that osteoporosis is one of them.

Like most of us on this blog, I am terrified of breaking something in my back. I have never (knock on wood) broken a single bone in my body, so I tend to feel that I will be fine. At my last DXA, however, the technian commented on the number of spinal compression fractures she sees on a daily basis and said how much pain the people were in. She said, "you don't want to end up in a wheelchair, or worse, paralyzed." That was a come-to-Jesus moment for me. I decided to go ahead with Evenity while keeping all of my fingers and toes crossed.

Wish me luck as I wish you luck. I hope you find the treatment that works for you. For my part, it's too late. A -3.4 score on my spine says that no amount of calcium/Vitamin D/K2 is going to rescue me from this condition.

Best regards,

Wilkenlmw

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@ripley

Did you read somewhere that 6 prunes a day were enough to make a difference with BMD? I take 3-4 oz of prune juice a day and wonder if that's as helpful as eating prunes. I'll have to research it.

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@ripley there is a yt video by OsteoBoston "role of diet in preventing osteoporosis: whats enough & whats too little?", interview with Dr Connie weaver.. Dr. Weaver mentioned 10g of soluble corn fiber, or ~5-6 dry prunes or 2/3 cup of blueberries daily help calcium retention in hip bones. Her study is impressive. I forgot though, if she used healthy objects or premenauposal women.

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@wilkenl

Penny,

My story is like yours - severe osteoporosis in low back, described by my endocrinologist as "really scary." She is pushing me to start Evenity, knowing full well that I am medication averse. I tried oral alendronate over a year ago, only to end up with medication-induced GERD, so I had to stop after three months. I'm quite bitter about the GERD, as I stood up for nearly two hours after each pill, but still ended up with a serious problem with GERD (which I now manage with an anti-inflammatory diet and fruits such as bananas and cantaloupe, which are alkaline, and oatmeal, which absorbs acid in your stomach). As for accupuncture, I have used it extensively for various conditions for many years, some with great success; others not so much. What is important about accupuncture is what a Japanese accupuncturist said to me once: "Accupuncture is not magic." There are conditions it can most certainly help with, but I am not inclined to believe that osteoporosis is one of them.

Like most of us on this blog, I am terrified of breaking something in my back. I have never (knock on wood) broken a single bone in my body, so I tend to feel that I will be fine. At my last DXA, however, the technian commented on the number of spinal compression fractures she sees on a daily basis and said how much pain the people were in. She said, "you don't want to end up in a wheelchair, or worse, paralyzed." That was a come-to-Jesus moment for me. I decided to go ahead with Evenity while keeping all of my fingers and toes crossed.

Wish me luck as I wish you luck. I hope you find the treatment that works for you. For my part, it's too late. A -3.4 score on my spine says that no amount of calcium/Vitamin D/K2 is going to rescue me from this condition.

Best regards,

Wilkenlmw

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I wish you luck. My spine score is worse than yours, but I am too scared to try osteo drugs. I am seeing my gyn this week to discuss HRT (which also scares me since I am 16 years post menopause - but does not scare me as much as osteo drugs).

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I asked my endocrinologist about HRT, but she said it is essentially too late for that for me, and I am only 10 years past menopause. I am terrified of the drugs, too, but I've gotten to the point that I'm more afraid of what could happen if my spine gives up.

Have you heard about R. Keith McCormick's book, Great Bones: Taking Control of Your Osteoporosis? I just got it from Amazon and was immediately impressed by his comprehensive approach to bone health, discussing in (relatively) comprehensible detail how our bodies work and what it needs to make good bones. If you're not going to take the osteo drugs, this book might give you some ideas on how to help your bones.

Good Luck!

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@wilkenl

I asked my endocrinologist about HRT, but she said it is essentially too late for that for me, and I am only 10 years past menopause. I am terrified of the drugs, too, but I've gotten to the point that I'm more afraid of what could happen if my spine gives up.

Have you heard about R. Keith McCormick's book, Great Bones: Taking Control of Your Osteoporosis? I just got it from Amazon and was immediately impressed by his comprehensive approach to bone health, discussing in (relatively) comprehensible detail how our bodies work and what it needs to make good bones. If you're not going to take the osteo drugs, this book might give you some ideas on how to help your bones.

Good Luck!

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Thanks. I have purchased the book and have read it. It is quite impressive and detailed.

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@mannism

Acupuncture works on my arthritic thumbs and has for years. I believe there is a national association for experienced practitioners.

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Thank you, I will investigate the national association for experienced practitioners !
I appreciate the help

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@wilkenl

I asked my endocrinologist about HRT, but she said it is essentially too late for that for me, and I am only 10 years past menopause. I am terrified of the drugs, too, but I've gotten to the point that I'm more afraid of what could happen if my spine gives up.

Have you heard about R. Keith McCormick's book, Great Bones: Taking Control of Your Osteoporosis? I just got it from Amazon and was immediately impressed by his comprehensive approach to bone health, discussing in (relatively) comprehensible detail how our bodies work and what it needs to make good bones. If you're not going to take the osteo drugs, this book might give you some ideas on how to help your bones.

Good Luck!

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I also bought his book and am learning so much.

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@hlp123

I am interested in trying acupuncture for severe arthritis pain. The Integrative Medicine Department in my hospital does not participate with insurance for acupuncture. I do not know how to find a professional who is qualified to perform acupuncture who will allow me to pay them directly.
Anyone have any luck obtaining this service ? And what were the results ?
Thank you

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I have used acupuncture for thumb arthritis for about 10 years. There is a national association from which to draw names of qualified people. It is worth the cost. I go about every six months.

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