1. Definition of osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a pathology which combines reduction in bone density and abnormal rearrangement of the bone structure (which constitutes the architecture of the bone). Thus, the bone becomes rarefied, becomes more fragile, because it is less dense, and therefore less solid.
What causes osteoporosis is an imbalance between the activity of osteoblasts, the cells that are responsible for the formation of bone tissue, and the activity of osteoclasts, responsible for the destruction of bone. If, as we age, bone mass physiologically (naturally) loses volume, osteoporosis constitutes an abnormal exaggeration of this loss. According to Inserm, at the age of 65, almost 40% of women suffer from it. It would even be 70% of them who would be affected at the age of 80.
2. What causes osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis most often results from a combination of factors. Among the most involved are:
- age: osteoporosis is almost non-existent in younger people. However, osteoporosis is exceptionally found during pregnancy;
- being very thin, with a body mass index below 19;
- sexual hormones and in particular estrogens: estrogens are hormones that protect and promote the formation of bone tissue. Thus, the drop in estrogen is responsible for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Women who menopause very early, before the age of 40, present more risks;
- sedentary lifestyle: it is observed in particular among the elderly;
- lack of exposure to natural light, and therefore a vitamin D deficiency;
- a diet low in calcium and protein;
- an acid-base imbalance;
- a disorder of endocrine origin: excess thyroid hormones (poorly dosed thyroid treatment or hyperthyroidism) or parathyroid hormones (in the case of an adenoma, for example);
- a problem of medicinal origin: taking corticosteroids for more than three months (as part of the treatment of certain chronic inflammatory pathologies), hormonal therapy in the context of prostate or breast cancer, treatment of endometriosis, etc.;
- a genetic predisposition: people with a family history of osteoporosis in close relatives are more at risk;
- a personal history of fractures: there is a significant risk of recurrence.
The greater the number of risk factors, the greater the risk of developing osteoporosis. Note that a poor lifestyle (sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, diet too rich in salt, tobacco and alcohol consumption, etc.) contributes to accelerating bone demineralization.
3. What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
In some people, reduced bone mass does not have serious consequences. However, when it accelerates and leads to real osteoporosis, symptoms most often appear.
Firstly, there is an increased risk of fractures, the most frequently affected areas being:
- the vertebrae: dorsal and lumbar, the cervical vertebrae are not affected. We speak of vertebral compression, because the vertebra is crushed;
- the neck of the femur (hip), especially in the elderly;
- the lower end of the wrist, which is exposed when used to catch a fall;
- the head of the humerus (shoulder);
- fractures can also affect the pelvis and sacrum (central bone of the pelvis) in the form of stress fractures : fractures that occur following a minor shock;
- pain usually appears due to fractures. Thus, we observe lower back pain, which can suggest lumbago; or acute back pain, which persists for around ten days, before gradually fading over the following weeks.
In the event of vertebral compression, we often observe a reduction in size, sometimes significant (more than 3 centimeters), the adoption of a hunched position, and even bone deformations in severe cases.
4. Examinations and diagnosis of osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is not a pathology that systematically causes symptoms. It is therefore preferable to periodically consult your doctor when you have one or more risk factors, and even more so if you have violent and unexplained spinal pain.
The diagnosis of osteoporosis is generally made following a fracture and radiological examinations which reveal a loss of bone density. Likewise, stress fractures immediately suggest osteoporosis in a person with risk factors.
Bone densitometry is the reference examination, it allows you to quantify the degree of demineralization with the T score. Treatment for osteoporosis is generally initiated if the T score is less than -3. Treatment can be implemented if the score is less than -2.5 in the event of associated risk factors: age, family history, history of fracture, early menopause, low BMI, reduction in height greater than 3 centimeters during in recent years, treatment with corticosteroids, etc.
5. How to treat osteoporosis?
The initial treatment of osteoporosis is preventive, since it involves ensuring that fractures are avoided. Conventional treatments for osteoporosis are implemented for a minimum duration of 4 years. In postmenopausal women, hormone replacement therapy is offered.
What medications to treat osteoporosis?
In people who take cortisone treatment, treatment with bisphosphonates will be prescribed. These medications are used to rebuild bone mass (they attach to the surface of the bone and strengthen it), and prevent age-related fractures (by blocking the action of osteoclasts). This treatment must be closely monitored because side effects, sometimes severe, are common.
Treatments to relieve pain
In people who have had fractures due to osteoporosis, we try to relieve pain with analgesics. However, when pain persists for more than a year, it is often preferable to resort to surgery. The procedure, vertebroplasty or cementoplasty, consists of injecting a medical cement into the bone which will strengthen the vertebra and thus relieve pain, explains the website of the American Hospital of Paris.
6. Treatment of osteoporosis via naturopathy
Based on the point of view of naturopaths, osteoporosis is due to acidosis so significant that the body’s only solution is to draw minerals from where they are, i.e. in the bones. In fact, mineral salts are alkaline, and will therefore have the effect of fighting against this chronic acidosis (which will also have other effects: decayed teeth, brittle nails, hair loss, fatigue, night sweating, dry skin, etc. ).
Thus, naturopaths will focus on treating demineralization on the one hand, and especially the acidosis and chronic intoxication which are responsible for it. Concretely, the detoxification of the body begins with the adoption of a healthy diet (Mediterranean diet) based on plants (fruits, berries, vegetables, cereals, oilseeds, spices, first cold-pressed virgin oils, etc.), and which excludes meats and industrial products (acidifying). Of course, alcohol and tobacco should be avoided.
Secondly, we deacidify the tissues by taking food supplements: alkaline citrates, long-term lithothamne, horsetail and bamboo as basic treatment; and, in gemmotherapy, glycerinated macerate of birch buds. We will also make sure to support the kidneys with adaptogenic plants: ashwagandha, ginseng or even rhodiola.
Subsequently, we will remineralize by stimulating the lymphatic system, the pancreas and the thyroid, in particular using nettle leaves (like horsetail, they contain silica, but also act on bone metabolism), or nettle root in men with prostatic hypertrophy. Other plants are interesting in the context of menopause: oats, alfalfa (alfalfa), hops and red clover.
It still remains to provide the nutrients which participate in the production and remodeling of bones, in particular vitamins D3 and K2, magnesium (present in lithothamne), iodine and silicon (present in horsetail and nettle) . You will find food supplements bringing together these different elements and often many other minerals: chelated calcium, strontium, boron, etc. Please note: naturopathy is insufficient in cases of fracture osteoporosis.
Practicing physical activity outdoors is absolutely essential, whether it is walking, swimming, cycling, horse riding… Opt for an activity that you enjoy, and make sure to expose yourself in the sun, for the synthesis of vitamin D.
Sources:
Larousse medical, American Hospital, Inserm, French Society of Rheumatology, Foundation for Medical Research
Read also :
⋙ Osteoporosis: how to diagnose and prevent it
⋙ Osteoporosis: 6 preconceived ideas about bone health
⋙ Lack of sleep: beware of the risk of osteoporosis