What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a silent disease and is usually detected in two ways: by means of bone densitometry tests, which is the action of checking whether the bones have normal density, or when the patient has a fracture due to a fall, already that the disease causes the weakening of the bone structure. Even some symptoms, such as postural changes, back pain and shortening of the limbs, are not decisive for a diagnosis of osteoporosis, which makes the clinical examination the safest measure to have this confirmation.
Bone tissue is responsible for reserving minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus. These compounds together are responsible for the rigidity of the bones. The entire bone structure is constantly formed and reabsorbed by cell renewal. Thus, the intake of minerals in the correct amount and in a constant manner is one of the habits that must be maintained to prevent bone demineralization problems. In addition to food, physical activities such as Pilates are essential in reducing the risk of a fracture caused by this pathology.
Pilates and osteoporosis
The watchword to prevent the effects of osteoporosis is strengthening. As already mentioned, the intake of some minerals and vitamin D are essential, as well as physical activities have a relevant role in strengthening.
Pilates exercises work with a focus on musculature to increase strength and lean mass. Through the apparatus with springs, balls, weights and postures, using the weight of the body itself, it is possible to do an efficient work of muscular resistance. Stretches practiced in Pilates are also very beneficial because:
collaborate to relieve tension,
prevent shortening of limbs,
improve mobility and favor posture correction.
A well-aligned and tension-free spine reduces compression of the vertebra, which helps prevent cracks and small fractures.
A more aligned posture and a more flexible body provide muscle rebalancing, increase stability and favor balance, an important factor to prevent falls. Pilates exercises work the entire body, globally, so the activity is not centered on treating just the legs or arms, but on strengthening all members in a balanced way.
Like any physical activity, Pilates helps in the oxygenation of muscles, a natural condition of the body when it is in motion, which also helps in the absorption of nutrients.
Therefore, adequate food and Pilates are good partners to prevent problems related to osteoporosis and promote more balance, mobility, and safety.
Fractures generated as a result of osteoporosis are called fragility fractures and usually occur as a result of a minor trauma, which in a normal situation would not cause such an injury.
This condition is usually asymptomatic: patients have no pain or limited movement, and often only discover that they have osteoporosis on a routine examination or when a fracture occurs.
When the condition reaches a more advanced stage, the patient may report pain, which may be due to a stress fracture, especially in the spine or hips, which receive more load on a daily basis.
Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men because they have thinner and lighter bones and, mainly, because they have a drastic drop in bone density with menopause (and the hormonal imbalance generated as a result).
According to estimates, the proportion of osteoporosis reaches six women to a man over 50 years old.
The prevalence of this condition tends to increase if we think that the elderly population curve will increase in the coming years. For this reason, it is important to have a prevention plan, and for cases where bone weakness already exists, treatment should be followed to avoid progressive decrease in bone density.
Major Causes of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis occurs due to an imbalance in the production-destruction of bone cells: the body starts to absorb more bone tissue than to produce, generating a deficiency.
This may occur due to the influence of genetic factors, but it may also be related to the production of minerals, hormonal conditions, or even external factors, such as diseases and the use of medications.
The main cause is related to the aging process and menopause.
The bones grow until the age of approximately 21, until the age of 35 they have an increase in their density and from then on they start the process of progressive loss of bone mass. It is a physiological and natural process of our body. Individuals who did not obtain an adequate amount of bone density may experience an early loss of bone tissue leading to osteoporosis.
In the case of women, with menopause the production of estrogen decreases considerably, and as this hormone is responsible for slowing the process of bone loss, the decrease in its production leads to a consequent reduction in bone density.
Another factor that influences the development of osteoporosis is the lack of nutrients related to calcium production.
Malabsorption, or lack of calcium in the body, can compromise its absorption by the bone, since these nutrients are distributed to other parts of the body contributing to its functions, and if they are reduced in the body, they are lacking for the production of bone tissue. .
Types of Treatment for Osteoporosis
Once present in bone tissue, osteoporosis has a difficult chance of reversion.
Thus, treatment has as main objective to prevent this condition from evolving and worsening, and to prevent the patient from suffering a fracture due to this bone fragility. In cases of pain, interventions will also aim at analgesia and patient comfort.
The treatment is chosen and modified according to the cause of osteoporosis and according to the conditions that the patient presents.
For women with low estrogen production, hormone replacement can be performed, a procedure that has no medical consensus and still raises many doubts on the part of patients, who sometimes resort to alternative treatments with natural medication.
For calcium and vitamin deficiency, the doctor may choose to supplement both calcium and vitamin D (important in the bone maintenance process).
In addition to supplementation, food must also be controlled, making sure that the main nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of the body are not lacking. Therefore, the nutritionist’s intervention with the patient is often important.
For cases of fractures, surgical interventions for corrections may be necessary, according to the needs of each patient.
Last but not least, we talk about physical activity as a treatment.
The practice of exercises is ESSENTIAL for patients with osteoporosis, because they increase the supply and fixation of calcium in the bone, in addition to developing muscle conditioning and preventing the occurrence of falls