1) The risk of osteoporosis increases with age. Even if you have no other clinical risk factors you should discuss your bone health at your next health check up if you are a women over 60 and a man over 70.
2) Being under weight with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 19Kg/m2 is a risk factor.
3) A family history with one or both of your parents having a previous hip fracture may increase your risk. If either parents had a stooped back this could mean they have compression fractures as a result of osteoporosis. This again would increase your own risk.
4) Some disorders are linked to osteoporosis. Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, prostate or breast cancer, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, thyroid disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, early menopause.
5) Certain medications are also linked most notably steroids and immunosuppressants. The risk increases with longterm use of these drugs.
Check in with your chartered Physiotherapist in Southside Physiotherapy Clinic if you have one or more of those risk factors . We can advise you on appropriate exercises to strengthen bone health. This will then help to decrease your risk of an osteoporotic fracture into the future. Click to book an appointment.
6) Drinking too much alcohol ( more than 3 units/day) and smoking can negatively affect your bone health