At Natural Care Chiropractic in Lindenhurst, we heavily emphasize the connection between good nutrition and a healthy back. One of the clearest examples of why this is important is osteoporosis. Kyphosis is a forward bend in the spine, and the extreme degree to which it is commonly seen in older people is preventable with an understanding of what makes bones strong.
Bones are always being resorbed and rebuilt. But in people with osteopenia, they are breaking down faster than they can grow back. This causes them to become weak. In a person with osteoporosis, the break-down has advanced to the point that their bones have taken on a honeycomb-like texture. People with this condition can easily develop small fractures they may not even be aware of. If they have several fractures in their vertebrae, the vertebrae may slowly collapse, inducing extreme kyphosis or hyperkyphosis.
Osteoporosis is common in older people, especially women. A person can mitigate it through doctor-recommended back strengthening exercises, but to keep their bones strong, they need calcium and Vitamin D. Direct exposure to sunlight is essential for Vitamin D production, and people may increase their calcium intake through dairy, fish, leafy vegetables, and fortified breakfast foods such as cereal and orange juice.
Dr. Mark Freund and Dr. Nicole Gopaul run Natural Care Chiropractic at 2118 East Grand Avenue, Lindenhurst, Illinois, 60046. To schedule an appointment, visit our request an appointment page or call 847-265-0600.