What the Practicing Chiropractor Needs to Know about Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disease. It’s been estimated that 50% of women and 25% of men over age 50 will fracture due to osteoporosis during their lifetime. These injuries are associated with a downward spiral in health, disability, institutionalization, and markedly elevated mortality rates. As the designated musculoskeletal experts within the healthcare apparatus, it is incumbent upon Orthopedists and Chiropractors to have a working knowledge of osteoporosis so that we can encourage best practices among our patients while seeking to minimize any potential risks of our interventions. This session will explore the pathophysiology of osteoporosis, as well as provide an update on fracture risk assessment and osteoporosis treatment.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the pathophysiology of osteoporosis, including microscopic and macroscopic changes within bone tissue that contribute to bone frailty.
2. Provide an update on the available clinical tools for fracture risk assessment, including DXA, vertebral fracture analysis (VFA), trabecular bone score (TBS), and fracture risk calculators including FRAX.
3. Provide an evidence-based approach to osteoporosis prevention and treatment, including nutrition, exercise, and osteoporosis medications.

1.0 Regular Credits - Approved