10/25/2022 7 – 9 PM CT Geriatrics 301: Management of the Osteoporotic Patient

As America ages, the care of older adults and their spinal needs in becoming increasingly important. Chiropractic physicians have a unique skill set that is an ideal match for caring for senior adults. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become weak and may break from a fall or, in serious cases, from sneezing or minor bumps.

About 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. Studies suggest that approximately one in two women and up to one in four men age 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis.

Breaking a bone is a serious complication of osteoporosis, especially with older patients. Osteoporotic bone breaks are most likely to occur in the hip, spine or wrist, but other bones can break too. In addition to causing permanent pain, osteoporosis causes some patients to lose height. When osteoporosis affects vertebrae, or the bones of the spine, it often leads to a stooped or hunched posture

Outline: 

• Bone Basics
• Causes of Osteoporosis
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Nutrition and lifestyle
• Exercise
• Gut Bone Axis

Objectives:

• Discuss bone physiology
• Outline the causes of osteoporosis
• Explain treatment options
• Examine nutrition and lifestyle changes