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Recent concerns over the biphosphonates (Fosamax, Aredia, Didronel, Boniva and Actonel) have led to a recent warning of the possibility of osteonecrosis on drug labels and warnings, which means bone death. More importantly the emergence of personal injury firms going after injuries from biphosphonates should scare anyone into not taking these type drugs.
Better functional understanding of osteoporosis and protocols are being developed and tracked every day. Why is it that bone scans are offered in traditional medicine starting with peri menopausal women? What people are more prone to it?
As the population continues to age, the prevalence of osteoporosis will only increase. It is already a widespread condition, with one in four women and one in eight men suffering from the disease.
Osteoporosis is defined as a skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength that puts a person at an increased risk of fracture. It is this risk of fracture that makes the disease so deadly. Women have a 1 in 6 lifetime risk of hip fracture. This is a greater risk than that of developing breast cancer, which is 1 in 9. The death rate associated with hip fracture is higher still, and of women who sustain a hip fracture, 50 percent become dependent on others to perform daily tasks and 20 percent need long-term care.
The costs associated with osteoporosis, the majority of which are related to the treatment of fractures, have risen to $15 billion a year over the past decade in the United States alone. Rising costs make the disease one of public concern.
Osteoporosis is typically diagnosed based on a patient's history of a fragility fracture or on the basis of low bone density. A fragility fracture is a fracture that occurs with a small trauma, such as a fall down, or no trauma.
Bone Mineral Density (BMD) tests are used to assess bone density. Results are defined as a T-score, with normal being between 2.5 and -- 1.0, osteopenia (or low BMD) between -- 1.0 and -- 2.5, and osteoporosis lower than -- 2.5.
The article lists several key factors as predictors of fracture due to osteoporosis including, low bone mineral density, prior fragility fracture, age, family history of osteoporosis and history of steroid or prednisone use.
Osteoporosis Can Be Caused By:
- Advanced Age: 65+
- Alcoholism
- Estrogen and Progesterone Imbalances
- Exhausted Adrenals
- Grains: Phytic Acid
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- Imbalanced Female Hormones
- Lack of Exercise
- Low Body Weight
- Low Calcium Intake (veggies)
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- Low Testosterone Levels
- Smoking
- Soft Drinks: Phosphoric Acid
- Toxic Heavy Metals: Lead and Mercury
- Vitamin-D Deficiency
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Testing the Tests
A bone scan is the typical test used by the great majority of physicians, clinics and hospitals. These traditional tests measure what has already happened, not what is happening now. Urine tests measure active bone turnover rates. This advanced methodology provides a much broader scope of information, and tells you what is happening in your body now. It is also inexpensive and non-invasive.
Symptoms:
- Bone Pain or Tenderness
- Fractures of the Vertebrae, Wrists
or Hips Resulting from Minor Trauma
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- Loss of Height
(as much as six inches)
- Low Back Pain
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- Neck Pain
- Stooped Posture
(Dowager's Hump)
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Statistics:
- 80% of those affected by osteoporosis are women
- One out of two women and one in eight men over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime
- Significant risk has been reported in people of all ethnic backgrounds
- Osteoporosis can strike at any age
- Osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures annually in the U.S
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How to Treat
- Progesterone: Progesterone is critical – it stimulates the production of new bone cells, yet we regularly encounter post-menopausal patients whose physicians tell them they don't need this very important hormone because they don't have a uterus
- Estrogen: Critical in all stages, including pre-menopause
- Human Growth Hormone: We suggest testing for it as it can be critical for bone growth
- Biphosphonates (e.g. Fosamax): This one-shot therapy can make bones harder, but it does not reverse osteoporosis, and many patients suffer from adverse side effects
- Thyroid: Too much or too little can cause osteoporosis, so make sure you receive proper testing that checks for Free T3 and Free T4
- Calcium: It's not as simple as taking a pill – calcium from vegetables is more beneficial than the calcium pills most people take, and new research shows that too much calcium actually accelerates osteoporosis. TIFM often uses organic calcium complexed with a German calcium product for best results
- TIFM Osteo IV Series: For over a year, we have been witnessing great results with this special intravenous therapy, developed exclusively by TIFM – in many cases we have documented great improvement in osteoporosis
- Vitamin D: It's not enough to just increase calcium intake. Vitamin D aides the body in absorption of calcium, and helps maintain normal levels of both calcium and phosphorus in the blood. Our oral suspension of D3 is just too easy to not use
- Calcium/Magnesium: Calcium/magnesium supplements found in even the best health-food stores hold no evidence of the recommended two-to-one ratio (2:1). We recommend that you rely on the natural ratios found in the foods you eat
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TIFM's Approach to Osteoporosis
- Determine the cause
- Treat the deficiencies
- Restore hormones to healthy pre-Menopausal/Andropause status
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Are your osteoporosis drugs (Fosamax, Boniva or Actonel) actually harming your bones?
TIFM's approach to osteoporosis involves a functional perspective that incorporates advanced bone testing (unlike the bone scans most insurance companies cover), grain elimination, and uniquely formulated IVs and nutrients custom designed to stop osteoporosis in its tracks.
Please call us if you're experiencing symptoms of osteoporosis. You don't have to suffer.
For more information, a phone consultation or to setup an appointment, please contact our Patient Care Coordinator, Beverly Brown-Osborn by email or by calling 972-239-6317 x134. |
