I am new to this site

[GandersDanders]

I am 74 years old and have just been diagnosed with osteoporosis. This should not be a surprise as I had been diagnosed with osteopenia 2 years ago. But, it is a surprise as I have been active all my life even though I have had severe scoliosis since I was 11 years. Scoliosis has never held me back but now that I have had this new diagnosis I am very anxious as to what the next step is. Anyone else have scoliosis and does it become worst with osteoporosis?

[Mark_ABH]

Hi GandersDanders, thank you for joining us. It is possible that osteopenia (aka low bone density) or osteoporosis could affect your scoliosis. You will want to address the scoliosis as part of a bone health plan you develop with your health care provider to manage your osteoporosis and prevent fractures. Here is an article I just found -- I had never thought about osteoporosis and scoliosis: newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/...

In general, your bone health plan should include proper nutrition, weight-bearing exercise, and fall prevention. You need to know your risk factors for broken bones beyond just your low bone density. I invite you to try the American Bone Health Fracture Risk Calculator to learn more about your risk factors. It only takes a few minutes. If your results indicate you are at moderate or high risk, in addition to having osteoporosis, you might be a good candidate for an osteoporosis treatment. americanbonehealth.org/calc...

[GandersDanders in reply to Mark_ABH]

Thank you for your good advice! The Mayo Clinic article was good to have read. I have been prescribed Alendronate 70 mg to help prevent fractures occurring in my spine. I am in physical therapy right now as I had my right hip replaced and am healing very well. Ironically, it was in the right hip region where osteoporosis was detected.

[cardinalfan]

I have both scoliosis and osteoporosis. I'm really putting a big effort into building up my Core Strength. I'm hoping that it's beneficial for me.

[GandersDanders in reply to cardinalfan]

I am in physical therapy right now and the therapist is really going to work on the Core Strength, so it sounds like you are on the right track! Good luck!

[Kaarina]

I have scoliosis. I discovered I had it as a teenager. I had a dexa scan in 2012 as I had lost 5 inches in height. I have never fractured. I have been doing hula hooping every day for years now. I presume this builds up my core strength. I have always exercised daily and I walk every day. A good few years ago, I used to cycle a lot but gave up the bike and started to walk instead as this is better for osteoporosis as it is weightbearing. I have osteoporosis but my scores are not too bad. I do not take medication for it only supplements and get enough calcium in my diet daily and am prescribed VitaminD3. I have just had my Vitamin D bloodtest result and it was 118.2 so I am happy with that.

[GandersDanders in reply to Kaarina]

Wow!! I am impressed that you hoola hoop and have done so for so long! I can't remember when I last picked up a hoola hoop but I am intrigued and may give it try. It does seem that it would build up the core strength and have fun while doing it! I have walked almost everyday for years so maybe that has helped to keep the osteoporosis at bay.

[joannge]

I have just been diagnosed with osteoporosis. I have minor scoliosis in between my shoulders. No mention yet of that being affected by this.