How to get around osteoporosis

ARTICLE

Many of us mistakenly think that osteoporosis is a problem for the elderly, which, unfortunately, is not true. Whether you spend your retirement comfortably or on crutches, you can already influence to a large extent today.

“There is a constant process of building and breaking down bone mass in the bones. Up to a certain age, the new formation of bone mass prevails, then the breakdown,” explains MUDr. Vladimír Buran, medical director of Trenčianske Teplice Spa. Loss of bone mass is a natural process that takes place in the body from around the age of thirty and is accelerated by a sedentary lifestyle, but also by other negative civilizational influences – poor-quality, nutrient-poor diet and unregulated drinking of alcohol. In addition, if you cannot imagine sitting in a cafe without a cigarette in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other hand, add two black points to the list of risk factors supporting osteoporosis.

Women are more often at risk of the disease – world statistics speak of 200 million cases, of which there are almost a quarter of a million in Slovakia alone. Bone decalcification does not only concern women after menopause, but also those who have never given birth. Bones are also strengthened by the female hormone estrogen, the level of which in the body drops dramatically at a certain stage.

Osteoporosis is often referred to as a silent epidemic. Why? Well, many people do not register the onset of the disease. We only notice that something is wrong in the body when we suffer an unexpected fracture during a small fall. Fractures occur with even a small load and pressure, for example when sitting, violent coughing, squatting, lifting objects, even when hugging!

As with other diseases, prevention is easier than treatment. MUDr. Buran therefore recommends a varied, balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, which contributes to the proper use of calcium in the body.

The natural source of “dečka” is also sunlight, so be happy to expose yourself to its beneficial heat during a brisk walk, which will also ensure movement of the body, another important factor in the prevention of osteoporosis. “Even 30 minutes a day is enough. However, it should be a regular movement, therefore the easiest and cheapest way to stay in shape is walking.” professional trainer Alexandra Machanová advises.

If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis despite preventive measures, keep in mind that the difficulties associated with the disease can be significantly alleviated. Spas are one of the proven means of supporting treatment. “Thermal water helps reduce muscle tension,” says MUDr. Buran. “Thermal water reduces muscle tension with a reduction in pain from muscle spasms. Movement therapy improves coordination of movements, improves muscle condition, stability of posture and gait, which also serves as prevention of falls, especially in older patients. Part of the spa treatment is also teaching the patient about a healthy diet and proper physical activities,” adds the medical director of the Trenčianske Teplice Spa.

A professional trainer also emphasizes the importance of professional guidance: “First of all, it’s important to talk to an expert and not practice on your own. I certainly do not recommend various jumps or rotational exercises. The first hours of exercise should be supervised. During exercises, not only the general attitude is important, but also proper breathing, and this is an important moment that not only patients should learn.” concludes Machanová.

When choosing the right spa for the treatment of osteoporosis or other diseases of the musculoskeletal system, it is necessary to check the therapeutic focus of the spa and the range of procedures provided. The unit among spas with a focus on the musculoskeletal system is the Spa Trenčianske Teplice, whose thermal water contains an ideal mineral composition and has been verified by more than a century of successful spa treatment. In addition, spa guests can currently enjoy the maximum comfort of the new, renovated premises of the most popular thermal pool Sina and the adjacent relaxation rooms.