Bending and back pain are common symptoms of what is known as osteoporosis. What many people don’t know is that osteoporosis doesn’t always show symptoms. This silent disease often goes unnoticed until the patient develops an osteoporotic fracture, which causes pain, swelling and bruising.
Many also believe that osteoporosis is only a health problem for the elderly and sedentary. Although it is more common in older adults, this bone disease can occur at any age. It can even happen to adults with active lifestyles. It happened to an award-winning dance sports athlete.
Ballerina’s Porous Skeleton
Ballerina and Dance Movement Champion Anne Marie Perrick She was 49 when she was diagnosed with osteoporosis. Swelling in her feet and severe pain in her back, knees and feet prompted her to seek medical help. After a bone mineral density test, her doctor revealed that she had multiple fractures and bones, just like an 80-year-old woman. Anna also suffers from lumbar spondylosis, periostitis of the foot and neuroma of the lower extremity.
With a healthy diet and active lifestyle, she never thought she would develop bone disease. When she ticked off all the items on the list of osteoporosis risk factors, she wasn’t spared the list of osteoporosis risk factors that bore the brunt: women of short stature, Caucasian or Asian, and perimenopause. As a result, she was unable to continue the dance training and fitness program her body was accustomed to.
“During my osteoporosis-related difficulties, I learned a valuable lesson in acceptance and the joy that comes with it,” Anna shared. “There are movements I can’t do as well or at all, but I’ve found that when we accept failure but still have the opportunity to change our lives, despite our limitations, recovery begins and happiness begins.”
according to Dr. Monica Therese Cabral, Past President of the Osteoporosis Society of the Philippine Foundation (OSPFI), an estimated 8.9 million Filipinos suffer from osteoporosis. People gradually start to lose bone mass starting at age 35, but women, especially those who have had premature menopause or have had a hysterectomy, are more likely to develop osteoporosis.
“Taking care of our bone health should start in childhood. Physical activity, especially those that involve weight bearing, such as walking and jogging, helps make bones stronger and healthier,” explains Dr. Cabral. “We slowly lose bone mass as we age, but the higher the peak bone mass at a young age, the less likely you are to develop osteoporosis in the future.”
an irreversible disease that weakens bones
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become porous and brittle. This condition occurs when bone mineral density decreases due to various factors such as poor nutrition, insufficient physical activity, age, hormonal changes, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and certain medical conditions. With fragile bones, a person has an increased risk of fractures, and even simple actions like sneezing or lifting a shopping bag can cause bones to break.
The painful reality is that there is no cure for osteoporosis. However, there are ways to reduce the risk of fractures and strengthen bones.
“There are two effective drugs for osteoporosis — one that slows bone resorption and the other that aids bone growth,” explains AS Dr Edgar EuphemiasMedical Director of the Peak Form Sports Rehabilitation Center and Chair of the Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CMSC) Institute of Sports Medicine.
“In addition to medications, people should consume adequate calcium and vitamin D and a proper diet, and do resistance exercise using weights and activities that help with coordination and balance, such as yoga, Pilates, tai chi,” he said. go on.
In Anna’s case, Dr. Eufemio recommended a teriparatide injection, which quickly helps bone growth, although it requires daily injections. Anna gave herself bone regeneration drugs for 18 months. She also receives regular physical therapy and maintains a healthy lifestyle. Ten months later, her road to recovery was going well.
Living with Osteoporosis
Her journey to recovery is a story of hope for everyone who suffers from fragile bones and broken bones. Of course, there is life after osteoporosis. Despite the illness, Ana is enjoying a full life again – working in the corporate world, dancing and performing on stage. Receiving the right treatment and committing to a healthy lifestyle is essential to enjoying life even with osteoporosis.
“It’s possible to have osteoporosis, and I want to show everyone that this disease can be beaten and treated,” Anna said. “We must do our part to raise awareness about the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and low bone mass, and to tell those with osteoporosis that they can live fulfilling lives with the right knowledge and guidance. “
Spread hope through awareness campaigns
Knowing how difficult it is to live with the disease, Anna seeks to empower people with osteoporosis through advocacy. She has agreed to be a lay speaker for OSPFI, and as she celebrates dance’s 50th anniversary this year, she also embarks on a passionate project to raise awareness of osteoporosis and promote bone health through dance and exercise therapy.
“Osteoporosis is a preventable chronic disease that is rapidly becoming a world health problem,” said Dr. Theresa Marie Valdez-Faller, Chairman of OSPF. “Our mission is to advance osteoporosis research through education, advocacy and research.”
To educate Filipinos on how to prevent osteoporosis, OSPFI continues to implement programs and activities such as annual conferences with international and local speakers, graduate programs, and research grants to scientists and physicians conducting research on the disease. The provinces have also launched outreach programmes for barangay and rural health workers and forums for patients and their relatives to raise awareness.
There are steps you can take to stop bones from breaking. Osteoporosis is a disease that can be prevented with lifestyle changes. There are also ways for people with osteoporosis to get into remission and live a normal life.
To learn more about the Osteoporosis Awareness Program, visit the OSPF Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OsteoporosisPhilippines.
