According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation over 44 million Americans are at risk and affected by osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time. It has become a very prevalent disorder in modern times.

After the age of 50, the bone mineral density (BMD) of post-menopausal women can decrease by as much as 3% per year. And less than one-third of those who survive an osteoporotic hip fracture regain their pre-injury function. Bone density is largely determined by genetic factors, yet environmental factors will influence the genetic predisposition greatly. It is measured as Bone Mineral Density (BMD). Other factors, such as exercise, nutrition and hormonal balance influence the amount of minerals in our bones.

Symptoms occurring late in the disease include:

• Bone pain or tenderness
  Fractures with little or no trauma
  Loss of height (as much as 6 inches) over time
  Low back pain due to fractures of the spinal bones
  Neck pain due to fractures of the spinal bones
  Stooped posture or kyphosis, also called a "dowager's hump"

Contrary to popular belief, bone is alive! In fact, it actually responds very well to stresses put upon it by becoming denser. In medicine it is known that bone strength adjusts to allow for the vertical stresses put upon it. Spine & Sport has designed a prescription of unique weight bearing exercises for osteoporosis using state-of-the-art exercise equipment administered by our personal trainers and physical therapists!

The direct vertical impact through such load bearing exercises combined with the indirect mechanical impact from stronger muscles acting upon the bone, stimulates the bone cells to deposit more minerals and firm up the bone tissue. According to the Surgeon General's report on bone health, Calcium and Vitamin D supplements may be helpful in the Prevention of Osteoporosis. The National Osteoporosis Foundation has pointed out that "Osteoporosis is largely preventable for most people. Prevention of this disease is very important because, while there are treatments for osteoporosis, there is currently no cure."