Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a very insidious disease, as it often causes no clinical symptoms or complaints for a long time. Its first sign is often an unexpected bone fracture from a minor accident (e.g., a fall). In its severe form, it can even compromise safety in everyday life.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

In osteoporosis, the bone material becomes pathologically sparse while the structure and distribution of the remaining bone mass remain normal. As a result, bones weaken and can fracture under loads they previously withstood without issue. The most common fracture sites are the spine, femoral neck, pelvis, and wrist bones. In advanced cases, simply bending over, lifting a light object, or coughing can cause a fracture. Vertebrae may collapse under body weight, leading to a stooped posture and reduced height.

Osteoporosis often accompanies hormonal diseases or conditions (e.g., menopause), and it can also be induced by medication side effects (e.g., prolonged use of corticosteroids at moderate or high doses).

Although many consider osteoporosis a women’s disease, it affects a significant number of men as well. Many are "halfway there," with already decreased bone mass but no fractures yet.

Diagnosis of Osteoporosis

Bone Density Measurement (Osteodensitometry)
During this test, the bone mass is measured at sites most prone to fractures (femoral neck, lumbar vertebrae, wrist). The denser the bone, the more radiation it absorbs; sparser, lower-mass bone absorbs less energy. Optimal bone mass has been determined statistically, and deviations from the norm correlate with fracture risk.

X-ray Examination
An experienced eye can detect signs of osteoporosis on an X-ray, especially in severe cases. Vertebral compression fractures are clearly visible, some vertebrae become wedge-shaped, and spinal curvature increases.

Laboratory Blood and Urine Tests are mainly used to rule out bone metabolism disorders.

Medical Treatment of Osteoporosis

Various drug classes are used. Some agents inhibit the activity of bone-resorbing cells. Others mimic the effects of estrogens, which inhibit bone breakdown.
Estrogen replacement slows menopausal bone loss; however, it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer, so it is not recommended.

Calcitonin influences calcium metabolism by inhibiting the activity of bone-resorbing cells. Unfortunately, it loses effectiveness after 2–3 years.

Progesterone stimulates the cells responsible for new bone formation.

Our daily calcium requirement varies with age. At least 500–600 mg is needed per day. Higher and prolonged calcium intake can lead to kidney stones and interfere with the absorption of other minerals. In treating osteoporosis, a daily intake of 1.5 g calcium, 600 mg magnesium, and 25–50 mg manganese is recommended. Other important nutrients for maintaining balanced calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism include fluoride, magnesium, copper, manganese, and strontium.

Vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption. Without sufficient vitamin D, calcium supplementation is ineffective. For osteoporosis prevention, a daily dose of 200–400 IU of vitamin D3 is recommended.

Vitamin B6 is also necessary for maintaining healthy bones and cartilage and for the rapid healing of fractures.

Vitamin C deficiency impairs collagen content in bones; a daily intake of 500 mg of vitamin C is recommended.

Vitamin K and folic acid are also essential for bone metabolism.

Phosphorus is an important building block of bones. However, in excessive amounts, it hinders calcium incorporation. Today’s diets often contain high phosphorus levels, making overconsumption a risk. Foods high in phosphorus include carbonated soft drinks, processed cheese, and animal offal, which should be avoided.

Therefore, it is fundamentally important to follow a varied diet, supplement calcium and vitamin D, and maintain an optimal body weight.

Physiotherapeutic Treatment of Osteoporosis

Movement Plays a Fundamental Role!

Exercise reduces bone mass loss! Age-appropriate physical activity does not endanger the bones but improves overall fitness and well-being. It reduces pain, prevents or corrects pathological changes in spinal shape, improves posture, and even enhances balance.
The key is CONSISTENCY!

For potential pain or muscle soreness relief, TENS or microcurrent stimulation treatments can be used. Cold therapy or heat therapy may also be applied.

In Western countries, magnetic field therapy is widely used in treating osteoporosis. Numerous studies have examined the effect of magnetic field treatment on bone mass. The results are thought-provoking. Although measurable changes in bone density are often insignificant, the vast majority of patients (usually at least 75–85%) report a decrease or resolution of symptoms, and magnetic therapy noticeably improves their quality of life.

In this product group, we have collected devices and tools for home treatment of osteoporosis.