In 2000, an estimated 9 million new osteoporotic fractures occurred. Of these fractures, 1.4 million were vertebral and 1.6 million involved the hip. At least one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 will suffer a hip fracture caused by weakened bone. At least one in five will die within the year following a hip fracture. By 2020 in the United States, it is estimated that more than 61 million women and men aged 50 and over are affected by either osteoporosis or low bone mass. [i]
Increased thoracic kyphosis (excessive outward curvature of the spine, i.e. hunchback) is associated with osteoporosis, and results in a reduced quality of life (QOL). It is also associated with alteration of postural balance, resulting in increased risk of falling. Falls in the geriatric population are associated with increased incidence of fracture. [ii] Among older adults (65 or older), falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death. They are also the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. In 2010, 2.3 million nonfatal fall injuries among older adults were treated in emergency departments and more than 662,000 of these patients were hospitalized. [iii]
The trend in industrialized nations is towards a sedentary lifestyle – as the workforce moves towards a service model and away from more physically demanding occupations. This recognized trend has been deemed a contributing factor in obesity, and is also related to reduced participation in weight bearing activities. There is little doubt that these factors are an additional complication for the aging population, and contribute to the micro and macro structural breakdown of a large number of people in society.
Determining the status of each patient’s postural mechanics is essential to understanding macro-structure. Standing, weight-bearing radiographs represent an essential tool for this purpose. There are also a number of good digital posture assessment tools available that provide a solid external analysis of posture, biomechanics, structural integrity and balance.
For patients that have significant postural distortions, or who show signs of bone loss in routine x-rays; as well as people at risk for osteoporosis based upon family history, age group, metabolic or systemic challenges, further testing is strongly advised. The “gold standard” test for bone density is Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). DEXA is a relatively low exposure of radiation, and is commonly administered by a trained technician through referral.
DEXA scanning focuses on two areas, the hip and spine. Although osteoporosis is systemic, and variations of density exist from individual to individual, measurements of bone mineral density (BMD) at one site correlates with fracture risk at other sites in the body.
The results of a DEXA scan are provided as a “T-score,” and a “Z Score”. T-score is a comparison/contrast of patients bone density to that of a healthy, young adult woman. A T-score of -2.5 or lower is defined clinically as osteoporosis. The lower the T- score, the greater the risk of fracture. A Z-score is the same reading as compared to a group adjusted for age, sex, race, height and weight.
According to the World Health Organization, osteoporosis is defined based on the following bone density levels:
- A T-score within 1 standard deviation (SD) (+1 or -1) of the young adult mean indicates normal bone density.
- A T-score of 1 to 2.5 SD below the young adult mean (-1 to -2.5 SD) indicates low bone mass.
- A T-score of 2.5 SD or more below the young adult mean (more than -2.5 SD) indicates the presence of osteoporosis.
- In general, the risk for bone fracture doubles with every SD below normal. Thus, a person with a BMD of 1 SD below normal (T-score of -1) has twice the risk for bone fracture as a person with a normal BMD. A person with a T-score of -2 has four times the risk for bone fracture as a person with a normal BMD. When this information is known, people with a high risk for bone fracture can be treated with the goal of preventing future fractures.
- Severe osteoporosis is defined as having a bone density that is more than 2.5 SD below the young adult mean with one or more past fractures due to osteoporosis.
- The Z-score is your BMD as compared to an age-matched norm. Z-scores are calculated in the same way, but the comparisons are made to someone of your age, sex, race, height, and weight.[iv]
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, women who are taking an osteoporosis medication should have a DEXA scan every 2 years.[v] There is not however a firm consensus on this point, as in extreme cases, or very high-risk cases, more frequent testing is advised. Many insurance companies and HMOs resist testing patients until age 65. In light of the serious impact of this disease on patients, and the trend towards a more sedentary lifestyle in industrialized nations, testing should be done much earlier. A proactive approach could represent actual preventative healthcare. Furthermore, the initial radiographic screening done by most chiropractors is an important early detection tool to assess bone health and structural integrity.
There is broad consensus in the literature that weight bearing activities produce healthier bone. The fact is bone remodels to stress imposed (Wolf’s Law). The inter-relationship of these two natural processes has a profound impact upon the human frame. Gravity can be friend or foe, depending upon the loading of the skeleton. Gross alignment or mal-alignment of the skull, thorax and pelvis have a profound impact upon the vertebra, long bones, and the bones of the ankle and foot. Attention to postural alignment and structural loading of the spine and skeleton is essential to thorough patient care.
Sustained abnormal posture causes micro-structural changes to the vertebrae, and eventually, alterations in the architecture of the spine. For example, the end stage of forward head posture and hyperkyphosis is an ever-worsening breakdown of the thoracic spine, often resulting in extreme distortion of the torso, and a perpetual progression of forward head and torso weight bearing. Without a walker patients are unable to maintain upright posture. Further deterioration often leads to a fall, and the resulting grave consequences as described above, or life confined to a wheel chair. Enlisting gravitational force as a “friend” instead, involves specific structured exercise, ergonomic considerations, and in instances of restricted spinal mobility, manipulative procedures to improve mobility and improve the overall weight bearing posture.
The safest and most effective form of spinal postural loading for purposes of improving bone density consistent with normal spinal structure is that undertaken with an “extension bias”[vi]. Extension exercises are far superior to: A) Flexion exercise. B) Combined flexion and extension exercise, and C) No exercise at all.[vii] Isometric muscle contraction performed in the end range of skeletal extension, such as in pressing or pulling motions against an immovable structure also causes firing of the spinal extensors[viii] creates skeletal loading of the long bones and stimulation of bone growth, and also induces vertebral loading.
Exercise that is either of low intensity, or does not involve skeletal loading; primarily or secondarily as described above, is largely ineffective in countering bone loss or improving bone density in postmenopausal individuals.[ix] In this author’s opinion, based upon experience, low intensity muscular loading is also ineffective in altering global postural weight bearing, and in improving core strength. In order to improve posture and optimize balance, optimized maximal loading of the muscles and tendons must be consistently employed.
Eccentric exercise has many benefits over either concentric or isometric exercise. The primary benefit is the fact that the metabolic demand of eccentric exercise is less than other forms of training. Also, in light of the fact that muscles are 1-1.5 times stronger in eccentric contraction than concentric contraction, the potential for safe maximum loading in the performance of eccentric loading is tremendous.
One of the most advanced methods for safely loading the musculo-skeletal system involves whole body vibration (WBV). There are a number of vendors that supply these products, PowerPlate®, WAVE® Exercise are two I am familiar with that provide a wealth of information on their websites about WBV training.
In some instances, highly supervised weight training using conventional equipment can be used. However, the risk is high for injury, and the learning curve for performing most exercises and or maneuvers is demanding. Static/isometric loading in optimized biomechanical positions, and incorporating coaching to insure maximum possible recruitment is advisable. Specific equipment to achieve desirable loading, with a less demanding learning curve and reduced risk of injury is available from Performance Health Systems, Inc. who produce a commercial product known as bioDensity®.
The decision to address micro-structural challenges as well as gross postural distortions or macro-structural dysfunction is one each practicing clinician must address. This author has witnessed the tremendous benefits of integrating this comprehensive approach in clinical practice, and what this means to patient’s lives.
1 International Osteoporosis Foundation 2011
2 “Influence of Sagittal Balance and Physical Ability Associated with Exercise On Quality of Life in Middle Aged and Elderly People” Arch Osteoporos, 2011 vol. 6 (1-2) pp 13-20
3 Hornbrook MC, Stevens VJ, Wingfield DJ, Hollis JF, Greenlick MR, Ory MG. Preventing falls among community–dwelling older persons: results from a randomized trial. The Gerontologist 1994:34(1):16–23.
5 World Health Organization 2012
6 National Osteoporosis Foundation 2012
[vi] BStrong4Life® Protocol 2009-2013 Scott J. Heun, DC, CCSP, Perry Cammisa, DC
[vii] Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 1984 Oct; 65(10):593-6.
Postmenopausal spinal osteoporosis: flexion versus extension exercises.Sinaki M, Mikkelsen BA
[viii] J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1996 Jul-Aug;19(6):398-405.
A normal sagittal spinal configuration: a desirable clinical outcome.
Harrison DD, Troyanovich SJ, Harrison DE, Janik TJ, Murphy DJ.
Eur Spine J. 2002 Jun;11(3):287-93. Epub 2001 Nov 1.
How do anterior/posterior translations of the thoracic cage affect the sagittal lumbar spine, pelvic tilt, and thoracic kyphosis?
Harrison DE, Cailliet R, Harrison DD, Janik TJ.
Eur Spine J. 2011 September; 20(Suppl 5): 699–703.
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PMCID: PMC3175932
Sagittal imbalance cascade for simple degenerative spine and consequences: algorithm of decision for appropriate treatment
- C. Le Huec,corresponding author1 S. Charosky,2,4 C. Barrey,3 J. Rigal,1 and S. Aunoble1
[ix] Mayo Clin Proc. 1989 Jul; 64(7): 762-9.
Efficacy of non-loading exercises in prevention of vertebral bone loss in postmenopausal women: a controlled trial. Sinaki M, Wahner HW, Offord KP, Hodgson SF.
About the Author: Scott J. Heun DC, CCSP
Dr. Scott Heun is a practicing chiropractor in Napa, CA with over 30 years of clinical experience. He is also the co-founder of B•Strong4Life® www.bstrong4life.com a revolutionary company dedicated to improving core strength, balance and bone health using a proprietary system of analysis, training and patient management. In addition, he is also a sought after chiropractic advisor and mentor, specializing in patient-centered practice and doctor patient communication www.chiropracticementoring.com Dr. Heun can be reached at drscott@bstrong4life.com