Archive for the ‘Alternative Medicine’ Category

Aromatherapy Reduces Stress

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009
by Evan Tannaer

Aromatherapy in its simplest form is the practice of using plant oils to enhance well being. It was first developed through the use of various kinds of natural plant extracts and essences. Typically, aromatherapy blends would contain pure essential oils, which are yielded from different plants. Roots, flowers, barks and peels are distilled or cold preserved in order to get the oils used in aromatherapy. Of course, they make sure that the process doesn’t do anything to change its purity.

For centuries the use of aromatherapy to helped people care for their mind, body and soul. But aromatherapy was first introduced to the modern world by a chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse who became interested in the idea of healing ones body through the use of various essential oils. He was the first to use the technique of distilling plants to produce these oils. He was also the first, in the modern world, to learn about the healing effects of these oils.

The main benefit of aromatherapy comes in the form of a reduction in stress. It can relieve discomfort and anxiety as well as feelings of pain, like a headache, and helps the body relax. There are various kinds of aromatherapy oils and each and every one of these oils has a specific effect on the mind and body. Thus, the person has to choose the appropriate one for whatever it is they are feeling.

There is a long list of aromatherapy products that don’t just include oils. In fact, there are all sorts of aromatherapy products out there including candles, body salts, creams, shampoos, lotions and even aromatherapy perfumes. It just goes to show how popular these products are and how many people are looking for ways to help relieve the stress they are feeling the homeopathic way.

The most popular aromatherapy scent would be lavender and this comes at no surprise at all. Lavender is the most effective when it comes to relieving stress and many salons as well as spas mix it with their products to help their clients relax and feel more comfortable. Aromatherapy has an effect on a persons mood and emotions which is why many service oriented businesses, such as the ones mentioned above, always have them handy.

The use of aromatherapy is so effective that hospitals use it to help patients relax and put their minds at ease. In fact, even the staff themselves uses it to relieve stress. These help would them concentrate on their tasks better instead of being bothered by various aches and pains throughout the day. After all, in a hospital, the top priority would be the patients and how they are feeling. Besides, it would be less stressful for everyone if the patients are feeling nice and comfortable.

The effects on a persons central nervous system reduces any feelings of anxiety and even depression. It gives the person a sense of inner calm as it signals the part of your brain which controls the way you feel. The oils that are used on the body also find their way to the bloodstream via the skin?s pores. From there, it would travel until it reaches your brain and gives you a relaxing sensation.

For many, aromatherapy is the simplest as well as the most affordable way to relax. Light up a candle, an incense stick or soak yourself in a bath using aromatherapy salts and oils. Whichever aromatherapy product you use, the results would remain the same. You’ll have a calmer, clearer mind and a totally relaxed body which is free from tension and any form of stress.

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The Benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine For Good Health Today

Monday, June 22nd, 2009
by Charlene Sim

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a world apart from the conventional treatment methods in use today. In actual fact, it is a system that is established on a completely separate viewpoint from the more logical and technical approach to medical treatment that western society has embraced. The goal of traditional Chinese medicine is to heal the whole person, not just the disease. It takes into consideration the mind and soul in addition to the tangible body. The correct alignment of these three components of every person generates a balanced energy stream all through the body which consequently leads to improved health.

TCM is an ancient style of healing that has been practiced for over three thousand years. Lately, it has enjoyed greater regard in the western world as well. In spite of this, it is still thought to be an alternative kind of medical care and hasn’t been generally accepted by mainstream medical practitioners.

There are eight separate techniques of traditional Chinese medicine, each approaching wellbeing and healing in its own distinctive way. However, it’s not uncommon to employ more than one method at the same time. The therapy is non-invasive and by and large free of harmful side effects.

Several varieties of traditional Chinese medicine are fully in the hands of the individual. For example, meditation is thought to be an effective treatment for various sicknesses. Qigong is one more system of health and healing. It’s an ancient practice related to the transfer of energy all through the system. It also consists of special movements and adhering to a particular nutritional regime that consists of a selection of food products that help to promote well being.

Alternate approaches to TCM will entail the help of a skilled practitioner. The intent of these treatments is to correctly align the functions of the body. Chinese acupuncture is one of the more well known illustrations of this kind of approach. Further treatment alternatives include the usage of herbal remedies. As well, there is moxibustion, which involves burning a number of herbs. This is most often used along with aromatherapy.

Regardless of what method of traditional Chinese medicine you opt for, you can be certain that the therapeutic systems are a safe and useful option to lots of present-day medical procedures. They are also ideal for maintaining overall good health so that you don’t become ill as often. You will have more vigor and mend faster when you do have a health condition.

Nevertheless, it’s crucial that you consult a trained practitioner of Chinese medicine before starting any treatments alone. And don’t cease using any medications that have been recommended by your conventional physician without his or her endorsement.

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Natural Benefits of Colloidal Silver

Monday, June 22nd, 2009
by Raymond Petros

Each group of colloidal silver comprises of high quality finely suspended silver particles. You will find each cluster to be composed of fifteen or less atoms.

You can purchase this product from pharmacies and general shops as well. In other cases you can have this powerful germicide ordered to your home via the internet.

This substance can be fused with other ingredients to form base materials for health water, supplements and even creams. These different products benefit the water in different ways.

Properties of Silver Colloidals

Colloidal silver has certain inherent qualities that can provide you with germicidal effects. Along with this it fortifies the body to safeguard itself from infections like bacterium, fungi, viruses and cancer causing pathogens.

The oxidation of micro-organisms is prevented by the metallic silver ions present in the substance. These silver ions also have the affect of enzyme inhibitors.

The pathogens are transformed in to waste and excreted from the body. The capability of colloidal silver to fight off pathogenic organisms have been verified and acknowledged by modern medical science.

Compare that to broad ” spectrum antibiotics that work on only a dozen pathogens.

Medical practitioners hailing from the Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and Chinese medical background are well versed in the advantages of colloidal silver and use it as a vital ingredient in their medical treatments.

Using Colloidal Silver

Although colloidal silver has many uses it is most popularly used for promoting good overall growth along with which it has excellent skin regeneration properties. The substance is also a enhancer of oxygenation in the body and therefore helps promote healthy development of bones as well as soft tissues.

It also enhances the functioning of the lymph nodes and system which is integral for managing the immune system function and eliminating harmful toxins from the body.

Colloidal silver is particularly popular in providing effective treatment against various dermatological conditions. This includes rashes, ear infections and even sinusitis.

Colloidal silver has provided effective cures against burns, abrasions and cuts. It also helps to repair skin tissues damaged through various means.

The product is used as an antiseptic to treat babies. The fact that it is a non-toxic chemical by nature also allows for it to be used in veterinary medicine.

Colloidal silver can be used to treat drinking water. It is advisable to use some in travel and camping trips as you can add one ounce of colloidal silver in a quart of water and get the germicidal benefits from it.

The various inherent qualities of colloidal silver has led some experts to believe that it can be a great source of benefit for the agriculture and diary industries. Scientists are involved in establishing the benefits that can be derived from the substance for these purposes.

Warning against excessive use

Excessive ingestion of colloidal silver can take its toll on the human body. This is why it is important for individuals interested in making use of the product to be aware of the potential side effects and the proper dosage of the substance.

Intake of silver in large doses can lead to neurological problems like seizures and many other potential side effects like headaches, stomach distress, tiredness and dermatological problems.

Colloidal Silver And Other Drugs

Research shows that drugs like thyroxine, quinolones, penacillamine and tetracyclines have a sure shot reaction when used in combination with colloidal silver resulting in harmful side effects in the body.

Thus it is important for users of colloidal silver to be aware of the various chemicals that they are consuming and whether they can be used safely with colloidal silver.

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Get the Most Out of Your Massage

Monday, June 22nd, 2009
by Steven G Esquire

Massage is something much more than something that feels good. Massage therapy is a countermeasure to the build up of stress and anxiety. People are feeling more stress these days than ever. We need new ways to cope with these stressful times. Massage therapy is perfect for relieving the tension and stiffness in the body. There is much more to massage therapy than just receiving the massage. To really get the benefit of these therapies, it is important to maximize the total experience.

People are seeking more natural and holistic treatments to their common ailments. Massage therapy has been given throughout time to relieve stress, and reduce muscle stiffness. There is a great variety of massage schools which have sprung up around the world. Many of these massage techniques are now widely available. Regardless of which massage technique you receive, there are some simple to follow guidelines on maximizing your therapy results.

If you plan on getting a massage, do not eat immediately before hand. When you eat it causes blood to be diverging to your digestive tract. This helps the body to more effectively digest your meal. However this also affects the quality of a massage treatment. Generally, you may need 30 to 40 minutes to digest your food.

Make sure you know any trouble spots that you want to avoid. Massage therapy applied to the wrong area can be harmful. Make sure any questionable areas are avoided. Check with your health provider to find out if you should receive these types of treatments for that area.

Relax your mind by playing some music. Music is typically played during a massage treatment. Find relaxing tracks with subtle melodies and rhythms. This will help to keep your mind off of stressful situations. Normally, it is preferred to have music without any vocals. This helps your mind to drift to the rhythm of the music and not focus on words and thoughts.

Check that you are breathing normal during the therapy session. Sometimes when a stiff muscle is being worked on, the rate of breathing can increase to deal with the discomfort. Monitor your breathing to see if this is occurring. You want to be relaxed and your breathing should be close to normal.

You want to avoid interruptions during your massage therapy. During the course of the massage your mind will begin to relax and release the tension being held over the body. You want to make sure that nothing interrupts this process to ensure your total relaxation. Get rid of your cell phone or other items which can interrupt to during this important session.

Create a mood of relaxation and comfort and the room in which you are receiving the massage. A candle can work wonders to help in the relaxation process. You can also dim the lights so that you are in a low light level.

Another common practice is to use a fragrance. This is commonly referred to as aromatherapy. Having a subtle fragrance in the room helps to enlighten the senses and provides for a more soothing state of mind.

Try drinking a glass of water after you get a massage. Some massage techniques will help remove toxins from the body. They release these toxins which are in their soft tissue cells. To help remove them out of your system, water is the best method. Try drinking the glass of water within 15 minutes of finishing your massage. This will help to improve the effectiveness of the treatment you just received.

It is important to get the maximum out of each massage session that you get. This helps to give you the maximum benefit over time. Relaxation is such an important aspect of health and recovery. We need to take the time to relieve our bodies of stress. So when we take the time, we want to maximize the benefit we get from it. Try a few of these tips and you will see how they help increase the effectiveness of your treatments.

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Where Did Western Medicine Fail?

Sunday, June 21st, 2009
by Kimberlee Cusumano

The science of healing has gone a long way and with the advance of modern science and industrialization, we can say that we have made astounding breakthroughs in the field of medicine. We have made amazing discoveries about microscopic organisms and viruses.

We have made immunizations, antidotes, and vaccinations to the world’s worst killer diseases such as cholera, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and even leprosy. We have actually even discovered our very genetic make-up. Western medicine has come to its zenith that all kinds of healing arts however ancient and effective are all classified as alternative medicine. We cannot deny the fact that indeed modern medicine has increased the lifespan of the whole population of those living in highly developed countries.

Yet there is also a downturn to this. Although we have already developed a lot of antibiotics to counter diseases, the bacteria and viruses have also mutated to actually create new and difficult strains. Right now the world is suffering from what is popularly known as swine virus where the exact origin of the virus still remains a mystery. Another backlash is that we have become so fixated in the physicality of health and disease that there are many types of diseases which are actually psychological and emotional that modern medicine cannot aptly diagnose. Western medicine has become so fixated in the physical to the point of neglecting the other aspects of disease which are equally important such as the spiritual aspects.

In fact, the sickness of modern man is so prevalent and so obvious that modern medicine has yet to put a name to-spiritual emptiness, loneliness, lack of gusto, depression, low morale, stress. These are so prevalent in modern societies so that modern medicine relegates these to the realm of psychology. For example, in the East, there is the concept of the seven energy centers of man which are called chakras. Modern medicine has no name for this and so therefore has no tool to understanding these most important concepts. Profound meditation is sometimes reclassified by modern medicine as simply relaxation and stress management when there is infinitely more to it than what meets the eye. The concept of energy healing which is so prevalent in the East has no western counterpart. For example, the concept of Chi which is central to the age-old practice of acupuncture escapes western investigations. In China, they can operate a major surgery using only acupuncture needles to ease the pain. Yet Western Medicine has neither word nor definition for this type of phenomenon.

Western medicine has in fact forgotten to factor in an important aspect of health-emotion. Negative emotions have no physicality in themselves until they manifest in actual disease. For example prolonged rage can create heart problems but Western medicine can only diagnose the heart problems but not the prolonged rage which is actually the root of the problem.

In Japan, a Reiki master can intuitively assess all the aspects of disease present in the person. He then applies energy coming from a mystically source to clean the body of disease and bring back health and wellbeing. Much to modern medicine’s surprise, some diseases considered as hopeless have been miraculously healed.

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Advantages of Colloidal Silver

Sunday, June 21st, 2009
by Raymond Petros

Colloidal silver is consists of superior quality finely suspended silver particles having fifteen or fewer atoms in each cluster.

You can purchase this product from pharmacies and general shops as well. In other cases you can have this potent germicide ordered to your home via the internet.

When used in combination with other substances it constitutes a base material for creams, health water and supplements which promise various health benefits.

Properties of Silver Colloidals

Colloidal silver has the ability to work as a germicide. It can aid the immune system to become more resistant to infections from viruses, pathogens, bacterium and fungi.

The oxidation of micro-organisms is prevented by the metallic silver ions found in the substance. These silver ions also have the affect of enzyme inhibitors.

The pathogenic organisms which are destroyed with the intake of colloidal silver are automatically eliminated from the body. Modern medical science has established for a fact that colloidal silver is profoundly effective against pathogenic organisms.

The real worth of colloidal silver comes to light when it is compared with conventional broad spectrum antibiotics that have the ability to work on about a dozen pathogens at the most.

Homeopathic, Ayurvedic and Chinese medical practitioners all make use of colloidal silver and extract its benefits when providing treatment for various diseases. In fact in many medicine sciences colloidal silver forms the base substance of a number of remedies.

Uses of Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver is generally used to growth growth and regenerate skin cells as it also enhances oxygenation. This means that it helps in the development of bones, skin and other soft tissues.

It also improves the functioning of the lymph nodes and system which is essential for managing the immune system function and eliminating harmful toxins from the body.

Many dermatological conditions like rashes, and also sinusitis and ear infections are cured with the use of colloidal silver.

Colloidal silver has provided effective cures against burns, abrasions and cuts. It also helps to repair skin tissues damaged through various means.

The fact that it is non-toxic in nature makes it entirely safe to use as an antiseptic for infants. It is also widely used in veterinary.

Perhaps the oldest established use of colloidal silver is as a water purification agent. For quite some time travelers and campers have been carrying a certain amount of colloidal silver with them so as to benefit from its germicidal qualities.

Research is being pursued to see the use and effects of colloidal silver in the agricultural industry and also on dairy farms.

Over Consumption Risks

However, with every chemical substance one must remember to take into consideration the potential side effects. If colloidal silver is used unmonitored|unregulated and excessively it can be termed as chemical abuse as it can have very serious side effects on the human body.

Intake of silver in large doses can lead to neurological problems like seizures and many other potential side effects like headaches, stomach distress, tiredness and dermatological problems.

Mixing Drugs

Research shows that drugs like thyroxine, quinolones, penacillamine and tetracyclines have a sure shot reaction when used in combination with colloidal silver resulting in harmful side effects in the body.

Thus it is important for users of colloidal silver to be aware of the various chemicals that they are consuming and whether they can be used safely with colloidal silver.

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Enjoy Enhanced Health and Well Being with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Saturday, June 20th, 2009
by Nancy Fair

The practice of traditional Chinese medicine, also known as TCM, is a completely different approach to healing than what modern medicine prescribes. As a matter of fact, it’s a tradition that is founded on a totally distinct philosophy than the more logical and scientific system of medicine that the western world has embraced. The intent of traditional Chinese medicine is to heal the whole self, not simply the malady. It takes into consideration the psyche and inner self in addition to the tangible body. The proper alignment of these three elements of every individual creates a balanced energy stream all through the body which consequently results in better wellbeing.

Traditional Chinese medicine is an ancient form of healing that has been utilized for more than three thousand years. Recently, it has enjoyed greater popularity in the western world as well. However, it is still believed to be an alternative type of therapeutic treatment and hasn’t been commonly accepted by conventional health practitioners.

There are eight different techniques of TCM, all regarding health and healing in its own unique way. Still, it is not unusual to make use of more than one approach simultaneously. The therapy is non-invasive and usually free of harmful side effects.

Certain kinds of traditional Chinese medicine are entirely in the hands of the individual. For example, meditation is considered to be a helpful therapy for various ailments. Qigong is one more approach to wellness and healing. It’s an ancient custom involving the movement of energy throughout the system. It also consists of special exercises and following a certain diet that includes a selection of foods that help to encourage health.

Other approaches to traditional Chinese medicine will entail the services of a trained practitioner. The goal of these treatments is to correctly align the functions of the body. Chinese acupuncture is one of the better known illustrations of this kind of system. Alternate therapeutic possibilities incorporate the use of herbal medicines. As well, there is moxibustion, which involves burning a variety of herbs. This is frequently utilized in conjunction with aromatherapy.

No matter what kind of traditional Chinese medicine you choose, you can be assured that the treatment techniques are a safe and helpful option to many modern-day medical procedures. They are also perfect for keeping up general better wellness so that you don’t become sick as frequently. You will have added energy and mend more quickly when you do have a problem.

Nonetheless, it’s imperative that you seek advice from a trained practitioner of Chinese healing before undertaking any treatments by yourself. And don’t discontinue taking any medications that have been prescribed by your conventional doctor without his or her consent.

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Exercising with a Hip Replacement

Saturday, June 20th, 2009
by Jonathan Blood Smyth

Post-operative therapy after hip replacement is mostly performed by the patient getting on with normal life but in most cases it’s useful to quickly analyse their progress and suggest avenues for improvement. It is important to assess any deficiencies in the patient’s performance and correct them early as arthritis of the hip causes several problems to develop. Muscle power drops around a painful joint, reducing the stability and support for the joint as the pain inhibits natural movement and activity. Lack of normal full movement allows joint restrictions to develop, leading to an abnormal walking pattern.

Physiotherapists start with rehabilitation and education of patients pre-operatively so they are well prepared for the operation and understand what they need to do. Joint restriction is assessed with strengthening and mobilising exercises given for the hip and the gait checked and corrected as necessary. If the gait is poor then the physiotherapist will consider a walking aid such as a crutch or stick, in the hand opposite to the affected joint. If a good walking pattern is not established with this a second stick or crutch may be necessary to attain a suitable gait with pain relief.

Physiotherapy assessment and treatment of the patient begins on the first day after the operation with encouragement to perform hourly contractions of the major quadriceps and buttock muscles. This aids restoration of the patient’s leg control and enables joint movement to be performed. Sliding the knee and heel up and down the bed allows practice of repeated hip flexion and joint control which improves the ability to mobilise both around the bed for self care and in and out of bed. Routine ankle pumping exercises are traditionally taught for the same reason and to improve circulation but the effect of this may be small.

The ability to move the operated leg about is produced by instruction to perform muscle contractions and joint range of movements hourly in the bed. The physiotherapist and an assistant will get the patient out of bed and walking with a frame or crutches. Early sitting in a moderately high seat for the patient is routine, to prevent hip flexion attaining too great a level. The lateral incision up the side of thigh can inhibit patients from stretching that area when they bend their knees in sitting so they need to be encouraged to slide their feet towards themselves regularly while they are sitting.

Initial mobilisation concentrates on getting the person going with an acceptable gait pattern for their confidence and safety. Once they are more mobile then it is important to teach a natural gait, moving on from the step-to gait to the step-through gait. When the patient is skilled at this they should look like they are walking entirely normally but just happen to have a pair of crutches with them. A natural gait pattern promotes the natural rhythms of muscle activation which reinforces the correct muscle patterns and contributes towards strengthening the muscles and reducing the work of walking by promoting an efficient gait.

The physiotherapist may prescribe an exercise regime for the patient if he or she identifies a particular weakness in the hip musculature. The upright position with the patient holding onto a solid object is the safest starting position and promotes stability and confidence. Three movements can be used to start with: bringing the thigh up towards horizontal in front of the body; making a sideways movement of the leg outwards whilst keeping it straight; pushing the leg behind the body whilst keeping the body upright and the leg straight. The main hip and pelvic muscles which control hip stability are worked by these movements.

If these are not sufficient then the patient can be instructed in exercises on the bed or prescribed hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy is a very good method for strengthening joint replacements as the water gives good levels of resistance but supports and controls the joints as they move. Floats can be used to strengthen muscles against resistance and gait practiced against the water, giving resistance to the whole process of walking and strengthening the entire pattern. Excessive exercise is not recommended for hip replacements as this can compromise the interface between the cement and the bone inside and shorten the life of the implant.

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How To Get Rid Of Plantar Warts Naturally Or With Duct Tape

Saturday, June 20th, 2009
by Deborah Valley

Anyone who has ever suffered from this problem understands how painful plantar warts can be. Most likely you are reading this article because you want to learn how to get rid of yours without using medication.

Well I have personally found one of the best cures that is painless and in fact does work. My best friend had one on her foot that was giving her a lot of trouble when she walked. We had heard several people talking about using apple cider vinegar; of course we were skeptical.

Since we had some in the kitchen; we decided to give it a try and see how effective it was in doing what everyone said it would. We poured it directly on top of the wart and soaked the foot for at least 20 minutes each and everyday.

Well after doing this for about 2 weeks we noticed that the plantar wart had completely disappeared. The skin was smoother in that specific area than the other parts of her foot; however it was completely gone.

Yes I still am shocked; after trying all kinds of medications and creams that did not work. Not to mention that we spent all kinds of time and money in the local retail stores; only to discover that we already had it in the kitchen. I am willing to bet that you have some in your kitchen and could be rid of yours very quickly as well.

After using this method I kept reading to find more ways to get rid of them; duct tape is another great method that can work. However it will take longer to get rid of them. To find out more about using duct tape or other methods visit our site below.

Men and Osteoporosis

Saturday, June 20th, 2009
by Jonathan Blood Smyth

If our bones lose some of their structural strength they can become too porous to cope with the mechanical forces which result from activities of daily living. The cortex is the denser, outer part of the bone and provides mechanical strength and resistance to tension and compression. Cancellous bone is less dense more like a honey-comb with its spaces full of blood vessels, bone marrow and collagenous tissue. In osteoporotic change the bone spaces enlarge and the cross struts become less frequent and less dense, lowering the overall bone strength. Osteoporosis occurs throughout the skeleton but its effects are mostly felt in the wrist, hip and spine.

Bone looks static but is living and so in a constant state of change, with older bone being broken down and replaced, a process that in an adult takes about seven to ten years to replace the whole skeleton. Bone turnover is the name given to this natural and important process. Children have an altogether faster rate of bone turnover and can replace their skeleton in two years. Our bones finish growing in length from around sixteen to eighteen years of age by which time we have achieved our final size, but our bone density continues to increase for a bit longer, into our mid-twenties.

The balance of bone turnover then enters a phase where there is equilibrium between the rate of bone breakdown and the rate of bone formation. From middle age this balance shifts in favour of bone breakdown and we begin to lose bone as we age, with osteoporosis occurring in some cases, especially in women after the menopause due to hormonal changes. Factors which may increase the likelihood of a man getting osteoporosis are low levels of male hormones, low body weight, smoking, high alcohol intake, being very immobile, diet absorption problems from conditions such as ulcerative colitis and long term steroid use for asthma.

One in three women is affected by osteoporosis in their lifetime so it is often thought to be a disease affecting women. However men are affected as well, with one in twelve having this at some time, even though only 20% of spinal fractures and 30% of hip fractures occur in men. Men may suffer from osteoporosis less for several reasons: they attain a higher bone mass to start with so have a higher level to start from and men suffer a much less dramatic bone loss in the middle years of life. Men in particular lose smaller amounts of the structural cortical bone than women.

It is typical for there to be no warning signs of the development of osteoporosis and for a relatively small trauma to surprise the person with the severe pain of a spinal or wrist fracture. The thoracic spine can suffer wedge fractures which are severely painful and can produce significantly disabling pain which can be long lasting. The process of wedging and crush fractures can occur without symptoms as the person loses height or develops a spinal curve referred to as a kyphosis. A severe kyphotic curvature can cause compression of the ribcage and abdominal structures, resulting in digestive and respiratory complications.

In men with osteoporosis there is no identified reason for the disease in forty-five percent of cases, and genetic factors are thought to play a large part in this. If a close family member has osteoporosis means that a man will be at increased risk of having lowered bone density and increased risk of suffering a fracture of the spine. Testosterone levels maintain levels of bone density and if levels are low then osteoporosis is more of a risk, as a thirty year old man produces twice the hormone levels of a man of seventy. If an endocrinology specialist thinks it appropriate then testosterone replacement can be prescribed.

Steroids are strong anti-inflammatory medications used for asthma and ulcerative bowel disorders as well as for a number of less common conditions. Six months treatment with a steroid such as prednisolone can increase the levels of bone loss but steroids are only used when they are vital for health. Steroid doses should never be changed by the individual without careful consultation with a doctor or the side effects of the change could be severe.

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