Receiving an osteoporosis diagnosis isn’t the disaster some people may initially think. There is plenty that can be done through addressing nutrition, lifestyle and exercise choices to boost bone health. But there is no quick fix.
Bone loss that leads to osteoporosis takes years to take effect and rebuilding bones takes time too. We break down and rebuild bone tissue naturally throughout our lives but if the bone cells are broken down more quickly than new bone tissue is formed, that is when osteoporosis occurs.
While not a quick process, it is possible to turn the tide on osteoporosis. Think of it like turning an oil tanker around at sea. You need to slow its progress before you can start to turn it. And having turned it, you need to be ready to fight the current that will naturally push you back.
It takes consistent behaviour and a whole lot of patience to see a noticeable improvement. Along the way, it helps to consider the full context of any diagnosis and read Dexa scans carefully as they chart progress.
Trajectory and trends
It takes time for an improved diet, new supplementation and weight bearing exercise to take effect on your bones. Rather than fixating on the bone density numbers on a Dexa scan, it’s better to look at the trends over time. Also, stay alert to relative time differences between Dexa scans that are showing decline or progress. The greater, or lesser, time has elapsed, the greater, or lesser, change should be expected.
It’s important to remember that small changes may not seem like much, but they will add up over time.
Why no change is good news
Osteoporosis is a degenerative and progressive disease: left unchecked, the bones will continue to decline. Initially when people take action to boost their bones, they may see no change. But that’s good news – slowing or stopping the rate of decline is both significant and encouraging. Stopping further bone loss and maintaining bone density must happen before improvements can be made.
Beware different DEXA machines
Another key aspect to bear in mind when comparing your DEXA scans is that different machines can give slightly different readings. So, it can look like the bone density has changed for better or worse when, in fact, it hasn’t. Where possible, it’s best to compare results from the same machine.
Slow and steady process
Collagen structures play an important role in bone development and remodelling. They work by binding and storing growth factors and attracting minerals and nutrients into the bone tissue. Collagen is broken down during bone remodelling to release peptides that, in turn, trigger the formation of the bone building cells. It needs time to be absorbed by the body where it works with minerals such as calcium, vitamin D and magnesium to repair, rebuild and strengthen bones.
Give it time
Typically, it takes three to six months of bone remodelling before any early changes can be seen and years to gain significant improvements. Consistency in healthy diet, exercise and lifestyle choices coupled with patience are key for long-term osteoporosis management.