Osteoporosis: Epidemiology, prevention and health promotion across the lifespan, with a focus on health, rather than disease

Osteoporosis is called “the silent thief” because it steals bone away without clinical warning and often is not detected until a fracture occurs. This year in the United States the 10 million people currently have osteoporosis and 34 million more have low bone mass. It is estimated that by the year 2025, $25 billion annually will be spent in the US on healthcare for osteoporotic fractures alone. This is clearly an important public health concern and chiropractors, who care primarily for musculoskeletal disorders, are well positioned to play a leading role in evidence based screening, health promotion and osteoporosis prevention. However, this disease-based focus is depressing at best and clinically may not be a fruitful manner in which to increase patients' self-efficacy in building healthier bones. In this session will examine the scientific literature related on bone health, and explore strategies for health professionals to empower patients towards reducing risk, detecting potential bone health issues early, and building healthier bones across the lifespan. Current treatments and their limitations will be contrasted with the cost effectiveness of lifestyle changes such as physical activity, dietary modification and supplementation. Additionally, strategies to reduce iatrogenic and minimal trauma fractures will be examined from the chiropractic clinician's perspective.