Bone Degeneration
A Few Facts about Bone Degeneration
A condition that occurs when there is a lack of nutrients in the bone is called bone degeneration.
Osteoporosis is the most well known disease that is the result of such deterioration. Fortunately, there is prevention of the disease as well as treatment available that can relieve the symptoms if it develops.
Healthy bone formation begins in childhood. Our bones start out as cartilage, which is replaced after just a few weeks with deposits of calcium that causes ossification, or hardening. This process is not a quick one; at least 20 years is required for the completion of the process. All bones consist of calcium, phosphorus, sodium and other minerals. Calcium is essential to bones; it is used by the bones to acquire its hard composition, and it is also stored by the bones for later use in the body. When adequate calcium is received into the body during the formative years, the bones have a high density. This is acute for preventing bone degeneration through osteoporosis later in life.
Exercise is very important in preventing bone degeneration. Just like muscle, bones are made of living tissue that reacts positively to exercise. Maximum bone density is achieved by those who exercise on a regular basis, giving strength to their skeletons. Another benefit to exercise is better overall strength and balance, which can help to avoid injuries to bones through falls. Weight bearing exercise is the best type for bone health. Examples would be walking, hiking, weight training, dancing and climbing stairs; all exercises where gravity will be your adversary.
While women face more risk of developing osteoporosis, men can also have a danger of bone degeneration. Unfortunately, the disease has little to no symptoms; giving it the title the “silent” disease. It isn’t until a fracture of a bone occurs, sometimes in just a seemingly insignificant fall, that osteoporosis is discovered. People can be proactive, however; instead of waiting for osteoporosis to be diagnosed, a bone density test can be administered to determine the health of your bones at a given point in time. Several medications have been developed to fight bone degeneration if it has already begun.
Prevention of bone degeneration is crucial. Even if you believe yourself to be in relative good health, you may be overlooking some key components to good bone health. Regularly consuming a diet that is rich in calcium and vitamin D, not smoking, no excessive alcohol consumption, regular 30 minute intervals of weight bearing exercise and bone density testing are all preventative measures against osteoporosis.
Bone degeneration does not have to occur. Prevention is best, but it is possible to battle further damage from osteoporosis through proper bone maintenance and medication.