Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which the bones in the body are depleted at a greater rate than which they can be replenished. This in turn leads to bones that are more fragile and brittle, which can result in fractures and injury as the condition progresses. Typically, treatment for osteoporosis involves the use of medications, most commonly bisphosphonates. However, there are also other types of osteoporosis medication available, as well as hormonal therapy too. Each medication that is used to treat osteoporosis comes with a certain level of risk of mild, moderate and even severe side effects. This leads many to turn to natural pain management techniques to cope with symptoms, as well as natural methods to both help rebuild and protect the delicate bones.
Bisphosphonates include choices in osteoporosis medication like Boniva, Actonel, Fosamax and Zoneta, amongst others. These medicines can be taken both orally or via injection. Typically, side effects occur less frequently in people who receive the medicine via injection, however common side effects for the drugs include nausea and abdominal pain. Some people experience esophageal problems and may encounter trouble swallowing. There are more serious side effects related to these types of osteoporosis medication, and some of them are more likely to occur the longer that the prescription is taken. One of these in particular that can be very serious is a condition in which the thighbone may actually break completely or severely crack. An additional less frequent to occur but very serious side effect involves the jaw, and part of it can actually die due to bisphosphonate use following certain types of dental work.
In addition to common bisphosphonates, other types of osteoporosis medication include drugs like Prolia and Forteo. They essentially provide the same types of benefits that bisphosphonates do, rebuilding bone, but may do it in a different way or at a different rate. In the instance of Prolia, side effects can include pain in the back and in the muscles.
Sometimes, hormone therapy is used to treat osteoporosis. Estrogen therapy, for instance, can help bones retain their healthy density and is most often used following menopause. However, there are some downsides to using hormone therapy for the bone condition, and risks include blood clots, certain types of cancer and perhaps even heart disease.
Regardless of which medicinal treatment is used, there is some risk of side effects that vary in severity. As a result, some may consider other treatment options before committing to long term courses of osteoporosis medication. One option that is growing in popularity is Whole Body Cryotherapy, an alternative type of treatment that is an up and comer amongst pain management techniques.
Cryotherapy sounds a bit like a space age treatment option in contrast to conventional treatments like everyday osteoporosis medication. Essentially, Cryotherapy Health and Wellness Inc.’s patients undergoing the whole body type of program are placed in a cryosauna that resembles a stand up tanning bed (with their heads sticking out of the top). In both cases, super cooled air that has been chilled to alarming temperatures thanks to liquid nitrogen (and occasionally compressed air) encapsulates the participant, rapidly chilling their exposed areas of skin. The result is a smorgasbord of healthful benefit, including a prompt immune response, nerve numbing to help relieve pain quickly, and a rush of endorphins and other chemicals that can help promote feelings of well being and reduce pain. This combination of effects make it effective for a wide range of people – from those seeking shoulder pain relief to those with eczema.
In terms of effectiveness compared to osteoporosis medication, cryotherapy serves as more of a tool for symptom relief as opposed to a treatment capable of rebuilding bones. One of the symptoms that becomes more predominant as the condition progresses is the potential for back pain, which is where cryotherapy can really shine. Many people have found that few things can provide relief to achy backs like cold therapy can, and whether the result of an injury from sports, or a disease like osteoporosis, the multiple benefits provided by cryotherapy may provide relief from painful symptoms.
Just as is often the case for those on an osteoarthritis diet, many people find that in the earlier stages of the condition, diet and lifestyle changes can have a dramatic effect on both retaining depleting bone and helping it to rebuild in a healthy way. Just as exercise can serve as a powerful tool for knee pain treatment, it can also help to reduce weight and reduce the risk of breaks and fractures. Osteoporosis medication is often required for the condition and this is even more so true in later stages of the disease. However, earlier on, it may be possible to hold off on osteoporosis medication and elect instead a healthier diet, lifestyle and alternative treatment options for pain and discomfort including cryotherapy.
Cryotherapy is not for everyone, and certain people that are already on certain medications or those with specific health conditions may make using whole body cryo saunas potentially unsafe. That is why in the case of specialized facilities, such as cryotherapy Toronto clinics such Cryotherapy Health and Wellness Inc in North York, where the practice has been both popularized and perfected, trained professionals evaluate each person interested in the treatment to make sure that it is safe for them. While there are some downsides to the treatment (cryotherapy cost is of course higher than the cost of prescription osteoporosis medication) there are some incredible benefits as well. Not only are there few, if any, side effects associated with the therapy, it also leaves many with a greater feeling of well being and a sense of exhilaration and rejuvenation.