Osteoporosis and Low Bone Density May Start Early in People With Multiple Sclerosis

A recent study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, reports that osteoporosis and low bone density are common in people in the early stages of multiple sclerosis (MS).

MS patients have been known to be at a greater risk of low bone density and broken bones but the onsight of the problems and reasons behind them have been unknown.

Low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of MS. Low vitamin D levels can lead to reduced calcium absorption and bone mineralization, or the process the body uses to turn minerals into bone structure.

“Our hypothesis was that if vitamin D exerts a major effect on the risk of MS, then the effects of low vitamin D levels on bone density would be apparent soon after the onset of MS,” Moen said.

The study found that a total of 51 percent of those with MS had either osteoporosis or osteopenia, compared to 37 percent of those who did not have the disease. The results remained the same after researchers adjusted for other factors that can affect bone density, such as smoking, alcohol use and hormone treatment.

“These results suggest that people in the early stages of MS and their doctors need to consider steps to prevent osteoporosis and maintain good bone health,” Moen said. “This could include changing their diet to ensure adequate vitamin D and calcium levels, starting or increasing weight-bearing activities and taking medications.”

For more information:

• Full press release from American Academy of Neurology
• More information on osteoporosis and its prevention & treatment

Keywords: osteoporosis, bone density, multiple sclerosis, vitamin D, osteopenia

The History of Clinical Understanding of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is now well understood both in terms of how it affects both men and women of practically any age and how osteoporosis can be prevented and treated. However, in 1824, when osteoporosis was first codified as a disease in its own right, it was considered an unavoidable aspect of aging. A recent article from EndocrineWeb has described the developments.

In fact, the clinical idea of osteoporosis took some time to be understood with ideas ranging from “something that was attributed to women tripping over their long skirts” to “something contagious and primarily affecting horses”.

It wasn’t until the 1930s, when famed U.S. endocrinologist Fuller Albright along with his researchers were the first to link the disease to hormones, and specifically to menopause. It was this discovery – namely, that osteoporosis is connected to hormones and the body’s calcium metabolism – that led it to be reframed as a disease and something treatable.

Today, more than 34 million Americans are at risk of developing osteoporosis, and another 10 million have been diagnosed with the condition, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

For more information:

• More information on osteoporosis and its prevention & treatment

Keywords: osteoporosis, bone density, menopause

Science Magazine Features NASA & Marodyne Low Intensity Vibration Research

A loss of bone mass affects astronauts in space in a similar way that osteoporosis typically affects the elderly here on earth.   The problem for astronauts is that they are losing calcium due to the fact that their bodies don’t think their bones need to be in tip-top shape because they aren’t bearing weight in space.

NASA has created ways to detect the problem including scans which analyze the bone’s microarchitecture. But they found that traditional exercises haven’t helped with bone mass. In order to treat the problem NASA has turned to low intensity vibration plates to help keep their space-goers in shape. Astronauts uses the plates for 10-20 minutes per day in order to help increase their bone mass.

This technique used by NASA can also be used by us here on earth. Learn more about the Marodyne LIV Tablet and how it can help treat osteoporosis:

• More information on osteoporosis and its prevention & treatment

Keywords: bone loss, bone health, osteoporosis, calcium, low intensity vibration plate, powerplate wbv, whole body vibration exercise,

Bone Loss and Osteoporosis Associated with Inflammatory Diseases

A recent article on the EmpowHer website discusses the correlation between inflammatory bowel disease and low bone mineral density & osteoporosis.

Looking at studies of both the conditions, ‘the rate of osteoporosis in inflammatory bowel disease has been reported as anywhere from 12 percent to 42 percent.’

In a further review by scientists from the University of Birmingham, UK, it has been found that bone loss is associated with inflammatory conditions in general. In conclusion of the review they state ‘that physicians should be vigilant in monitoring patients for bone loss as part of the treatment for inflammatory bowel disease’.

Further information:

• Article ‘Bone Loss in Inflammatory Bowel Disease’ from EmpowHer
• More information on osteoporosis and its prevention & treatment

Keywords: inflammatory bowel disease, low bone mineral density, bone health, juvent, osteoporosis

Osteoperosis Drug Alarm: What Doctors are Telling Patients to do…

From ABCNews.com: Many doctors are changing the prescribing length of a class of osteoporosis medication known as bisphosphonates after mounting evidence has linked long-term use of the medication with femur fractures in postmenopausal women.

According to the report drugs such as Fosamax can cause opposite effects for many people taking the drug. Fosamax has already been linked to severe musculoskeletal pain, as well as to a serious bone-related jaw disease called osteonecrosis.

More information:

• Read the full ABC article
• More information on osteoporosis

Keywords: bisphosphonates, Fosamax, osteoporosis, bone fractures

Low-intensity vibrations research results : significant increase in bone density and muscle forces

A paper just released by the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research has produced evidence that regional high-frequency, low-magnitude vibrations (HFLMV) are an effective and safe strategy to improve bone mass, muscle strength, and possibly independence in children with motor disabilities.

The randomized double-blind and placebo controlled clinical trial assessed the efficacy and safety of regional HFLMV in disabled children (aged between 6 and 9). The study took place over two years on 65 children.

The results included a significant increase in bone density and an increase in muscle forces of upper limbs. There was also an increase in the quality of life score for ‘Daily activities item’. This important test focuses on everyday tasks such as putting shoes on, getting underwear on, going to the bathroom and brushing the teeth – increasing autonomy for the children. There were no reported side effects.

In conclusion, these data provide evidence that this non-drug, noninvasive intervention is both safe and effective and could ultimately provide a means to strengthen the musculoskeletal system of those patients who are not mobile.

For the whole report, please download the pdf:

Keywords: improve bone mass, muscle strength, motor disabilities, vibration therapy, low intensity vibration,

Osteoporosis : Survey of State Programs

In 2010 the National Osteoporosis Foundation, along with the National Osteoporosis Council, created a Survey of State Osteoporosis Activities. The survey provides a new baseline for current levels of bone health and osteoporosis programming.

Despite advancements in the field of osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment, the results are mixed. Many states that once had funding for osteoporosis programs have lost most or all state funding. Yet more than 75 percent of states report the availability of programs with an osteoporosis component. However, it is unclear if these programs adequately address the needs of those with or at risk for osteoporosis and how states will maintain and expand programs related to bone health during these difficult economic times.

Download the survey here or read online.

For more information on osteoporosis, see our osteoporosis education section.

Keywords: osteoporosis prevention, osteoporosis diagnosis, osteoporosis treatment, bone health, state funding

Video : Dr Clint Rubin explaining low intensity vibration

Dr Clint Rubin explaining low intensity vibration and the Marodyne LIV Therapy tablet.

More information:

• Information on LIV Therapy (Low Intensity Vibration) and its benefits.

IBMS BoneKEy Webinar – last chance to register

The Management of Bone Fragility/Low Bone Mass in Children and Adolescents. Tuesday, June 14th, 2011 from 12:00 noon to 1 PM Eastern (U.S.) Daylight Time (5 pm-6 pm UK time zone/6 pm-7 pm Central European time zone).

The IBMS BoneKEy Webinar is a free, live, online web conference where a hot topic is presented by an expert in the field and a discussion by panelists follows. The expert for tomorrow’s webinar is Catherine M. Gordon, M.D. from the Children’s Hospital Boston, MA.

There will be a 20 minute online presentation which will discuss:

• Identifying risk factors for a low bone density among children and adolescents
• Measurement tools that are available to evaluate bone health in a pediatric population
• Management strategies for the care of those children identified to have a low bone mass and/or skeletal fragility

To register, visit the webinar registration page.

More information:

• More information about the webinar and how to register

Keywords: IBMS BoneKEy, low bone mass, skeletal fragility, low bone density, bone health

Dr Clint Rubin at the University Medical Innovation Showcase

Dr Clint Rubin is due to give a talk at the Medical Device and Manufacturing Showcase in New York, tomorrow 7th June.

The talk is entitled, ‘Engineering an Intervention for Osteoporosis and Obesity through the Mechanical Regulation of Adult Stem Cells‘ and starts at 11:40 am at the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

He discusses the findings that low intensity vibration can help in the treatment of obesity in adolescents and osteoporosis in the elderly.

More information:

• For more information on osteoporosis, see our osteoporosis education section.
• Full talk information at the Medical Device and Manufacturing Showcase website

Keywords: osteoporosis, obesity, low intensity vibration