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Dealing with osteopenia, ways to increase bone density

canski

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
She desperately needed the kyphoplasty, was in so much pain. Luckily the procedure stabilized the fracture and the pain subsided. However, she was not pleased to then need another a month later (although that fracture was not as painful), as the cement does make the area more solid than mother nature intended. Since she was quite fragile, I guess it was more likely to occur. After the surgeon did the 2nd procedure (including the neighboring one that could come into play down the road) she did not suffer any more vertebral fractures that we were aware of the next few years of her life.
Just wanted to let you know to ask about any possibility of this.. I do not know current technology or outcomes as it was 10 - 12 years ago. She was in her mid 80's at the time of the kyphoplasties.
 

Powgirl

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I received fantastic news today...I do not need surgical intervention! I was fitted with a full back brace that I need to wear for a month...and start PT after the first of the year...my neurosurgeon feels I will heal well.

He also doesn't think I have full blown osteoporosis...especially in light of my good bone scan 4 years ago...we will repeat the scan next week, just to be sure.

I am recovering from the concussion, tho still having having mild headaches....and, I need to continue with the spirometer for the chest contusion.

He encouraged me to stay active and do all the things I love doing, once I heal up.

I really feel such a sense of relief and gratitude...

I was reading the other thread about hitting our heads while skiing...Ski Patrol checked out my helmut, and it showed no visible damage...but because I hit hard on the back of my head twice, I think I will be purchasing a new helmut.
 

Jenny

Angel Diva
Hooray! Who’d have thought 4 weeks in a back brace would be something to look forward to?!

And, maybe a dumb question, but I was thinking about this thread today - I had x-rays that showed osteopenia, but do I need to talk to my doctor about a bone scan, too, or are they the same thing?
 

Powgirl

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Hooray! Who’d have thought 4 weeks in a back brace would be something to look forward to?!

And, maybe a dumb question, but I was thinking about this thread today - I had x-rays that showed osteopenia, but do I need to talk to my doctor about a bone scan, too, or are they the same thing?

I think the scan is a lot more accurate...I would definitely talk to your doc about it...it's a quick and easy test!
 

Powgirl

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
So happy it is non-invasive! Heal well and quicky!

Thank you so much for all your info....I am not a candidate because my spine doesn't appear to be collapsing...but, I am more keenly dialed into all this, for sure!
 

VickiK

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Very glad to hear of the brace solution, and no surgery. I know I sound preachy but I'm sure your fitness level helped you out over everything that happened and could've happened.
 

santacruz skier

Angel Diva
Hooray! Who’d have thought 4 weeks in a back brace would be something to look forward to?!

And, maybe a dumb question, but I was thinking about this thread today - I had x-rays that showed osteopenia, but do I need to talk to my doctor about a bone scan, too, or are they the same thing?
I believe bone density scan is called a Dexa scan. Have had several.
 

tinymoose

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Hooray! Who’d have thought 4 weeks in a back brace would be something to look forward to?!

And, maybe a dumb question, but I was thinking about this thread today - I had x-rays that showed osteopenia, but do I need to talk to my doctor about a bone scan, too, or are they the same thing?

X-rays can show osteopenia? I've had a few b/c of my broken toe from gymnastics and partial hairline fracture in my wrist from snowboarding and nobody has ever said boo about my bones looking bad. Is it just x-ray of certain bones that can show this? If anything, both docs were pleased with how well my bones healed, and the ortho guy at Rothman said my bones still behaved like young bones.

The only reason I suspect I've had osteopenia since my mid-20s(and probably earlier) was an ankle scan at a health fair that said I was way below average and well into the osteopenia range at that point.
 

marzNC

Angel Diva
The only reason I suspect I've had osteopenia since my mid-20s(and probably earlier) was an ankle scan at a health fair that said I was way below average and well into the osteopenia range at that point.
From what I learned about bone density, in your 20s you were still going to build bone depending on what you did in the next decade or two. The measure that defines osteopenia or osteoporosis is simply a comparison of your bone density to a control group. I would guess that the "normal" group used might not have been the best comparison at that age.

My family physician told me back in 2015 my bone density test results meant I had osteopenia in my spine. But the Endocrine specialist looked at the data more carefully a few years later. Looking at the Z score, and not just the T score, I was perfectly normal for my age and race. The Dexa scan of hips was better than average.

When I had a fall off a bike after the bone density test, the fact that I didn't have a fracture in my wrist seemed to be an indication of strong enough bone. I remember a relative with "brittle bones" when was growing up who broke a bone more than once after falls when she was in her 30s. That was long before the term osteoporosis was commonly used.

I'm continuing to do the exercises involving lifting heavy weight for minimal reps (8-10, twice) to promote as much bone building as possible for someone over 60. Also taking Vit D and calcium supplements, but I'm not worrying about the issue of low bone density.
 

santacruz skier

Angel Diva
I'm definitely concerned with bone density...... my last bone density (Dexascan) was two years ago and I'm due for another one. I took Fosamax for five years beginning 2013 (really resisted it but had no choice) and the last bone density test was much improved but still in the osteopenia range. Have been working with personal trainer for three years now so hope things are improved.
Good news is the only fracture I ever had (so far) is an umbrella fell on by baby toe in Puerto Vallarta and fractured it. Hope that is the only fracture....
 

tinymoose

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
From what I learned about bone density, in your 20s you were still going to build bone depending on what you did in the next decade or two. The measure that defines osteopenia or osteoporosis is simply a comparison of your bone density to a control group. I would guess that the "normal" group used might not have been the best comparison at that age.

My personal opinion/theory is that some people like me (and my mom) just have lower density bones genetically which is what predisposes us too it to begin with. I wouldn't be at all shocked to find I still score similarly today, or maybe a bit worse b/c I'm older now. If doing competitive gymnastics as a kid didn't do anything to build bone mass, it probably hasn't happened in the last 15 years with me doing less than I did as a teen.
 

Jenny

Angel Diva
X-rays can show osteopenia? I've had a few b/c of my broken toe from gymnastics and partial hairline fracture in my wrist from snowboarding and nobody has ever said boo about my bones looking bad. Is it just x-ray of certain bones that can show this? If anything, both docs were pleased with how well my bones healed, and the ortho guy at Rothman said my bones still behaved like young bones.

The only reason I suspect I've had osteopenia since my mid-20s(and probably earlier) was an ankle scan at a health fair that said I was way below average and well into the osteopenia range at that point.
I guess. I had back X-ray to help figure out some long standing issues and that was one of the things mentioned.
 

tinymoose

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I guess. I had back X-ray to help figure out some long standing issues and that was one of the things mentioned.

I haven't had a back x-ray yet but I don't doubt you. I highly doubt my bones are worth the powder to blow them up anymore but I'm gonna keep up with gymnastics until I can't anymore. I've got my back handspring mostly back but i'm still working on my back walkover.
 

santacruz skier

Angel Diva
I was told that at age 50 bone density scans (dexascan) are recommended for "at risk" patients. Example: Petite thin women with small bones under <120 pounds..... other characteristics could be asian descent, blue eyes, fair skin.
My doctor told me I was the poster child for osteoporosis ...... not what I want to be known for.
 

ddskis

Certified Ski Diva
Have had 2 fractures now in a little less than 5yrs. Dexa was done with the first fracture at age 54 and results were bad in spine and mediocre in hips. This despite being active, lifting, etc. Mom has bad osteoporosis and it’s basically 80% genetic; luck of the draw. Both falls were high velocity; needed surgery for one and spent this last summer in a cast for the other. Have been really resistant to the meds up to now but rethinking this
 

Powgirl

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
More good news...Dexa scan was very slightly decreased compared to the previous testing...my femoral neck seems to be the worse...it's slightly out of the normal range...oddly, the area I suffered the fracture appears to be the strongest...but, I am in a slight osteopenic range...recommended treatment is increased calcium and Vitamin D.

I start PT tomorrow...and, a confession...I took a couple of runs at Copper yesterday...I was a bit nervous, but warmed up quickly. I did 4 runs and called it as I didn't want to push it...I felt tired, for sure, but was so happy with how it felt after my fall...plus, we are going to Key Largo in a couple of days and want to be in good condition for the trip.

I am healing, it's slow, cramping my style a bit, but feeling grateful for the outcome!
 

VickiK

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Oh Yeay! So glad for you! Have a great time in Key Largo!
 

Powgirl

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
A quick update...

Skied Copper last week, and I fell again...same way...hit the back of my head and back. Thankfully, not as hard and I was wearing a light back brace for protection, but hit hard enough to feel a bit discouraged...I felt like my new skis were perhaps too much for me...

This fall was different in that it happened slower, and I knew what caused it...I caught my uphill ski edge...I'd been noticing this earlier in the day, especially on icier terrain and I was having trouble releasing my turns.

I decided to have my skis checked out...I took them to Wild Ernest, at the base of Buffalo Mountain in Summit County...I explained to him what was happening and he took a look...he said my skis were very sharp, which was good, but he felt the tails were tuned pretty aggressively...and saw a couple of small burrs, too...so, he detuned the tails slightly and smoothed the edges without dulling them.

We hopped over to Steamboat the next day, which is my happy place, and I found my mojo again...I skied well!! I could feel the difference right away and was able to release my turns in smooth fashion.

I am still in PT twice a week, which is helping me to heal...In addition to stretches and core exercises, I receive cupping, dry needling, heat and massages...gonna be hard to give this up in a couple of weeks!! I've been out of the back brace for a couple of weeks and almost 100%.
 

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