Academician of European University of Lefke Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Assist. Prof. Dr. Beliz Belgen Kaygısız made some statements on the importance of physiotherapy in bone thinning on the occasion of World Osteoporosis Day.

Genetic factors and body weight are risk factors in osteoporosis

Kaygısız said thay “Osteoporosis, commonly known as “bone thinning”, is a skeletal disease caused by bone becoming brittle as a result of low bone mass and disruption of the microarchitectural structure of bone tissue” and went on to say the main factor in this disease, which threatens women, is the lack of oestrogen following menopause. Pointing out that genetic factors and body weight are risk factors in osteoporosis, Kaygısız said hat “However, many studies have shown that modifiable risk factors such as malnutrition, excessive coffee or alcohol intake, sedentary life, excessive salt / protein intake also cause osteoporosis”.

Pointing out that this disorder, which can be seen in the whole skeletal system, with bone thinning and subsequent fracture, develops gradually, Kaygısız said that this disease usually causes the ends of the lower arm bones and the hip ends of the thigh bones to become thinner rather than the hard outer part of the spine vertebrae. “The bones in these areas become brittle, crack may occur, and the risks of infection and deformity that may result in disability or death may increase” she said. Kaygısız further stated that with the advancing age, the decrease in bone density in the spine region and the slow collapse of the spine vertebrae as a result of the weight they carry can cause neck shrinkage, bending forward and hunching in the upper spine.

Although various drugs are used in treatment, only drug use may be insufficient.

Emphasizing that in recent years, current treatment approaches for osteoporosis have been identified for this disease that causes a decrease in the quality of life and threatens public health in the elderly population, Kaygısız said that “Early detection of risk factors and development of prevention programs in osteoporosis are important to prevent disease progression, prevent fractures and reduce health care costs”. Pointing out that although various drugs are used in treatment, only drug use may be insufficient, Kaygısız stated that a multidisciplinary treatment including changes in lifestyle, dietary changes and exercise could be successful. She further underlined that after the diagnosis is made by a specialist, a physiotherapist should assess the general health status, current illnesses, previous sports habits and physical condition of the person and determine the appropriate exercises.

It is important to consult a physiotherapist, as unconscious and incorrect exercise and physical activity in bone resorption may lead to harm rather than benefit.

Kaygısız said that “Osteoporosis, which adversely affects both the quality of life and life span of the person and has severe complications, is an important health problem today” and added that exercise and / or physical activity play a major role in reducing the effects of this disorder. Pointing out that exercise increases bone mass by acting on osteoblast cells involved in bone formation, and bone loss can be minimized by mechanical loading of muscles strengthened by regular exercise, Kaygısız stressed that physiotherapy and rehabilitation have a great role in the elimination of pain, physical loss and prevention of functional deficiencies. Kaygısız finally said that “As with any disease, it is important to consult a physiotherapist, as unconscious and incorrect exercise and physical activity may cause harm instead of benefit in bone resorption”.