Homeopathic Medicine for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by the loss of normal density of bone, resulting in fragile bone. It leads to literally abnormally porous bone that is more compressible like a sponge, than dense like a brick. This disorder of the skeleton weakens the bone causing an increase in the risk for fracture. Normal bone is composed of protein, collagen, and calcium all of which gives bone its strength. Bones that are affected by osteoporosis can break with relatively minor injury that normally would not cause a bone fracture. The fracture can be either in the form of cracking, or collapsing. The spine, hips, and wrists are common areas of bone fractures from osteoporosis, although osteoporosis-related fractures can also occur in almost any skeletal bone.

The strength of the bones can be determined by bone mass (bone density). Generally, the higher the bone density, the stronger are the bones. Bone density is greatly influenced by genetic factors, which in turn are sometimes modified by environmental factors and medications. Normally, bone density accumulates during childhood and reaches a peak by around age 25. It is then maintained for about ten years. After age 35, both men and women will normally lose 0. 3% to 0. 5% of their bone density per year as part of the ageing process. Estrogen is important in maintaining bone density in women. When estrogen levels drop after menopause bone loss accelerates. Accelerated bone loss after menopause is a major cause of osteoporosis in women. Patients with osteoporosis have no symptoms until bone fractures occur.

Osteoporosis: Porous bones

Bones that have thinned from the inside due to mineral loss are vulnerable to fracture. However, osteoporosis is both preventable and treatable.

What causes osteoporosis?

A diet lacking in essential nutrients, a hormone imbalance (common after menopause) and lack of regular exercise all contribute to osteoporosis.

Other causes: Endocrine disorders such as diabetes, thyroid over-activity, excessive adrenal or parathyroid hormones and nutritional disorders, such as anorexia nervosa.

Osteoporotic fractures Vertebral crush:

Bone weakness and collapses, leading to height loss. Fractures occur on front side of vertebra, causing hunched-over posture.

Hormones and bone growth:

Estrogen replacement therapy is often recommended by doctors for post-menopausal women to prevent bone loss. Progesterone and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) are hormones vital to bone health. Future therapies may involve an appropriate combination of several hormones.

Do men get osteoporosis?

Yes, but less often than women; 35% of U.S. women and 10% of men age 60 and over have osteoporosis. Men have more bone mass and don’t go through drastic hormonal upheavals of menopause.

Common symptoms:

• Pain bones and lower back.
• Height loss (averages about 1. 5 inches every 10 years after menopause).
• Night cramps in legs and feet.
• “Dowager is lump” a forward bending of spine.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Fractures (osteoporosis causes 90% of fractures after age 65)

How bones grow:

Bone is living tissue that is constantly remodelling itself. Bone contains living cells embedded in a hard, mineral matrix. Osteoblast cells help create new bone tissue. Osteoclast cells break down old or damaged bone. Cancellous bone: Spongy inside; supports bone ends.

Red marrow: Blood vessels and cells that produce red blood cells.

Compact bone: Solid, hard outside sheath.

Blood vessels: Supply bone with nourishment and oxygen.

Astronaut osteoporosis:

Space travellers lose bone mass after long periods of weightlessness. The problem is caused by disuse. It is also seen in paralysis victims and people with severe fractures.

Colles’ fracture:

Wrists of forearms break when person breaks fall with hands.

Hip fracture: May lead to serious complications. Up to half of elderly patients end up in nursing homes after a hip fracture.

The following remedies are useful:

Calcarea carb.: Curvature of the upper part of the spine. Pain and weakness in the back, especially lower back. Pain after exposure to damp conditions. Pain improves on lying on the painful side.

Calcarea phos.: Stiffness and pain with a cold, numb feeling. Pain in the lower back and hips with a feeling as if the bone is broken. Pain worse with change of weather.

Cimicifuga racemosa 3c: It is considered as an estrogen herb. It reduces bone loss possibly by acting as a selective estrogen receptor modulator. It is helpful in treatment of pains.

Ginseng Q, Ginkgo biloba Q: There is a limited proving that these remedies are also beneficial in reducing bone loss.

Silicea: Sciatic pains in the hips, legs and feet. Weakness of the arms and the legs. Pain is better by warmth and in damp weather.

Symphytum: It acts as a glue in fractures caused by osteoporosis.

NOTE 1: The patient should expose his skin to direct sunlight as much as possible.

NOTE 2: Foods rich in calcium like, skimmed milk, natural yogurt, dried fish, almonds, broccoli etc. are useful.

NOTE 3: Laxatives and antacids containing aluminium should be avoided.

NOTE 4: Bone density check can determine the disease. It is similar to an X-ray. The patient lies on a bed and the machine measures the density of the bone in two places, the lower back and hip. The test takes 10-15 minutes.

NOTE 5: Risk factors for osteoporosis are:

1. A history of broken bones (especially spine, hip or wrist).
2. A family history of osteoporosis.
3. Removal of ovaries or loss of periods before the age of 45.
4. Primary hyperthyroidism.
5. Slim, less than 125 lbs (57 kg).
6. Asians or Asian background.
7. Age 50 or older.
8. Post – menopause.
9. Low level of physical activity.
10. A smoker or a history of smoking.
11. A heavy caffeine user, consuming more than 3 cups of coffee, tea or cola per day on a regular basis.
12. High level of alcohol intake, more than 2 drinks a day.