Bone Health Archives - Amazing Health Advances

A Physical Therapist’s Best Advice on Foot Pain

The AHA! Team — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 05:25:53 +0000

Tufts University via Newswise – Who’s at risk for sore feet, why foot pain can start, how to prevent it, and what to do if it arises – Foot pain often begins in the hips and the gluteal muscles — a trio of muscles that help us walk. If you notice tightness in your hips or discomfort when you sit or stand, think about ways to stretch and relax those muscles to avoid foot pain down the line. For nurses, servers, construction workers, and many others, work means a lot of time on the feet. Repeated motions can lead to muscle, nerve, or tendon stress. A split-second equipment slip can outmatch steel-toed boots and result in a fracture or break. Moyosore Tillery spent more than a decade addressing these types of injuries as a physical therapist focused on occupational health and outpatient orthopedics. In private practice, she also treated runners with foot pain. While Tillery notes that diagnosing and addressing foot pain is incredibly patient-specific, she says there is one general truth: “It’s almost never just one thing.” A physical therapist can help narrow in on issues and mitigate further damage. “It’s ultimately about what’s happening above or below a joint,” said Tillery, an assistant professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at Tufts University School of Medicine. “We use our expertise as movement scientists and movement analysts to try to figure out what’s weak, what may be tight, what may be hyper- or hypomobile, and a lot of our skillset is geared toward identifying and addressing all of those different issues.” Risk Factors Most people get sore feet from time to time. But there are a few factors that put some people at higher risk. Occupation, of course, plays a role. People sitting at a desk may be less likely to suffer from foot pain than those who regularly perform physical labor or move often in their jobs. But genetics, sex, lifestyle, weight, and even geographic location and terrain can also influence the likelihood of foot pain. When monitoring for potential sore spots, it helps to make note of how these factors may play into your specific circumstance: Do you often hike on uneven ground? Are you commuting to work by bike? Does work require you to wear specific shoes, such as steel-toed boots, that put you at higher risk for developing corns? Some pain risk factors will change throughout our lives. Pregnancy, for instance, can put additional strain on the feet because of the added weight, and make injury more likely because hormones in the body relax muscles. As we age, our bone density changes, as does our flexibility. “Things that are stretchy are just less stretchy as we age,” said Tillery. “We have to stay ahead of that, or at least be aware.” Avoiding Injury Having that awareness allows for mitigation of any additional risks. Running can help build bone density, according to Tillery, and any physical activity will make sure our body is used to movement. “These things are preventative, but it also goes hand-in-hand with what we do as physical therapists in the rehab process,” she said. “There’s a reason exercise is involved, to build up what we will lose as we age.” A physical therapist can also conduct a “biomechanical analysis” — a study of how a body moves when performing specific tasks — which can identify and help correct any weaknesses in the body that could lead to pain down the line. Before physical activity, Tillery recommends “dynamic stretching and mobility exercises.” Think of a short, quarter-mile walk before beginning a run — something to get the blood flowing in a way that won’t jolt muscles immediately from rest to high-intensity movement. It’s also helpful to cross-train. Mixing in different types of physical activity can help the body avoid stress injuries from repeated motion, like plantar fasciitis, a condition that occurs when the tissue connecting the heel to the toes becomes inflamed. And then there’s strengthening. When you hit the gym, you probably don’t think about pumping iron to strengthen your feet. But there are exercises that can make our all-important foot muscles more agile, mobile, and strong, like toe curls, flexing your ankle up and down, and calf raises. There are some foot problems that are extremely difficult to avoid that are unrelated to injury. Arthritic inflammation can lead to bunions because of associated joint damage or misalignment, for instance, and gout can cause swelling and extreme joint pain. You may be able to reduce complications from these conditions if you’re aware that you’re predisposed to them and take precautions to alleviate symptoms. Pain: What to Look Out For Providing all-encompassing advice for the onset of foot pain is difficult, because, as Tillery explains, it’s all dependent on the patient — and the pain. The foot has more than two dozen bones, 30 joints, and more than 100 ligaments, muscles, and tendons, and discomfort can stem from any number of areas. Injuries “can span the joint, the muscles — even nerve flexibility,” says Tillery. But there are a few symptoms worth paying attention to. Foot pain often begins in the hips and the gluteal muscles — a trio of muscles that help us walk. If you notice any tightness in your hips or discomfort when you sit or stand, think about ways to stretch and relax those muscles, like a 90-90 stretch or a supine hip flexor stretch. Asymmetry can serve as another indicator of oncoming pain — is one side of your body feeling a bit off? Understanding a patient’s baseline on one limb can help physical therapists like Tillery set up a treatment plan. “We’ll often use the unaffected limb as a baseline to assess where the deficits are for the affected limb,” she said. Overall, Tillery says any type of sensation change may be your body offering you a sign that something isn’t right. Depending on the severity, that may be when you should reach out to a professional. How to Respond Because each injury can depend on the person, Tillery advises talking to a professional before making any decisions about how to treat pain. “Go see your trusted medical provider who can screen and do less-invasive tests, and then let them guide you,” she says. Depending on the severity of an injury, that may mean a visit to a physical therapist or other primary care providers — if the pain is minimal or not particularly traumatic — or a trip straight to the emergency room. “Obviously if it’s black, it’s blue, and it’s completely numb, go to the emergency room or urgent care,” says Tillery. Last, it pays to stay patient. Not every person will heal on the same timescale, and patient education plays an important role in helping people understand how long the process may take for them. If injury does happen, people who smoke may take longer to heal. Nicotine contracts blood vessels, restricting blood flow and the movement of nutrients that are important for healing. People with diabetes can also be slower healers because of slower circulation and less oxygen reaching different tissues in the body. These circumstances are important to be aware of, because they may influence the advice a medical professional provides to boost healing after an injury. To read the original article click here.

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What Is Tech Neck?

The AHA! Team — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 05:15:42 +0000

University of Miami via Newswise – A University of Miami Doctor of Physical Therapy explains what it is and what we can do to alleviate its symptoms. All the new technologies that have become a permanent part of our lives: Smartphones, tablets, computers, laptops and others have brought us constant connectivity, access to friends, news, information, and entertainment. But the constant use of these devices has also generated a physical condition that can be a real pain in the neck. Experts say that between 27 to 48 percent of workers experience neck pain each year. About 73 percent of higher educaton students do, too. Tech neck, also known as text neck, is a condition characterized by pain, stiffness, and discomfort in the neck and shoulders caused by prolonged use of electronic devices. About 91 percent of Americans own a smartphone and spend an average of four-to-six hours a day looking at the screen, according to experts. So, it is important to understand the causes of tech/text neck and what to do to alleviate it. Phil Grattan, a board-certified orthopedic specialist and an assistant professor of clinical physical therapy at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Department of Physical Therapy, shares some insights on the condition. What is tech neck? Tech or text neck refers to neck pain and potential cervical spine degeneration resulting from the repeated stress of keeping the head flexed (bent forward) while looking down at the screens of mobile devices, tablets, or while texting for long periods of time. Why does this happen now more than before? Since the introduction of the iPhone in June 2007, the use of smartphones has exponentially risen among the entire population. According to a recent survey by Harmony Healthcare IT in 2024, Americans spend on average 5 hours and 16 minutes per day on the phone. For Generation Z, this increases to 6 hours and 27 minutes per day. What role does the continuous use of smartphones and tablets aggravate it? The average head weighs 11 pounds. Keeping the neck bent at 30 to 60 degrees to view a smartphone or tablet places excessive strain on the posterior neck muscles and stress on the cervical spine in an attempt to hold the head in that position. This may lead to neck, upper back, and shoulder pain. What can be done to get rid of the pain? Be cognizant of your posture when using a smartphone or tablet. Bending the head forward for a sustained period of time should be avoided. Limit the total number of hours spent looking at your phone over the course of the day. If you need to look at your phone for a long period of time, take frequent breaks. Every 10-20 minutes is recommended. When using your phone, try to keep the head straight and bring the phone directly in front of you. Using a pillow to support your arms when using the phone while sitting can also help. Use ergonomic support devices, when possible, to position your smartphone or tablet as close to eye-level as possible. Ensure the device is directly in front of you, not towards one side. What exercises or treatments do you use and recommend to get rid of it? If neck pain persists, seek care from a medical doctor who can provide treatment and/or refer you to the appropriate health care provider. Physical therapists are providers who can help improve posture, provide education, and prescribe strengthening exercises and home neck stretches to help alleviate the symptoms. To read the original article click here.

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Osteoporosis Warning: How Bone Loss Signals Inflammation and a Risk of Disease

The AHA! Team — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 06:11:34 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Osteoporosis, a disease in which bones become brittle and prone to breakage, is so widespread that 50 percent of all women over age 50 (and 25 percent of all over-50 men) will eventually suffer an osteoporosis-related bone fracture. A new study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle reveals systemic inflammation and frailty as key contributors to osteoporosis and fracture risks. Unfortunately, the consequences of osteoporosis extend even beyond the pain and disabling effect of broken bones. In fact, recent research highlights a shocking connection between osteoporosis and life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. Fortunately, a combination of natural nutrients may help prevent osteoporosis – and offer protection against the devastating diseases that can accompany it. Pro-inflammatory molecules released by bone loss are linked to increased risk of deadly diseases The creation of bone is regulated by the actions of the body’s osteoblasts (bone cells that create new bone) and osteoclasts (cells that break down bone). At about age 35, the “balancing act” begins to shift – and the rate of bone breakdown starts to overtake the rate of bone development, leading to bone loss. Researchers are now learning that aging bones contain more “senescent” cells – meaning they have stopped reproducing themselves and now exclusively promote the breakdown of bone tissue. These senescent cells release pro-inflammatory molecules into the bloodstream, laying the groundwork for disease. Senescent bone cells have been found in plaque deposits in heavily calcified arteries. And, having large numbers of senescent cells in the bones is linked in studies with accelerated aging – particularly affecting the brain. Finally, people with osteoporosis have an increased risk of cancer. Keep in mind, when over-activated, the bone proteins that normally regulate bone maintenance and healing can lead to uncontrollable cell growth and replication. Discover a natural way to strengthen your bones The antioxidant vitamin C plays a critical role in preventing bone loss – which it does by preventing the oxidative stress that destroys bone structure. Vitamin C also plays a pivotal role in the formation and structure of bones by forming collagen and developing other bone proteins. If the body’s need for vitamin C is unmet, insufficient collagen production can result – leading to easily fractured bones. Many natural health experts believe osteoporosis is a vitamin C deficiency or “scurvy of the bones.” Bone-building vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, and bell peppers. However, supplementation may be necessary – especially if you have osteoporosis. By the way, for superior bioavailability (absorption), natural health experts advise using a liposomal form of vitamin C. Boron reduces the loss of indispensable calcium from the bones This little-known trace mineral packs a powerful punch when it comes to supporting bone health. Simply put, boron helps the body produce and use vitamin D – a mainstay of bone health. The mineral also helps regulate calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus levels – all “MVPs” of bone maintenance and support. A study published in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal showed that 3 mg of boron daily helped prevent calcium loss and bone demineralization in postmenopausal women. Natural health experts may advise 3 to 6 mg of boron daily. You can increase your dietary boron intake by eating organic nuts, beans, avocados, and whole grains. Calcium: The primary structural component of bones Bones contain 99 percent of the body’s calcium stores – integral to bone building. But, for your body to use calcium to build bone, you must have sufficient levels and adequate amounts of vitamin D. Deficiency in both minerals can cause bone loss and symptoms of muscle pain, muscle cramps, and weakness. Calcium exists in sardines, including the bones, dark leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts. Most adults require between 1,000 and 1,200 mg of calcium a day. Magnesium deficiency is a cause of “incalculable” suffering Magnesium works in concert with calcium to suppress hormones that break down bones – while activating enzymes needed to produce new bone. Unfortunately, experts estimate that about half of all Americans fail to consume enough of this important mineral. More than 40 percent of post-menopausal women have low magnesium blood levels, which can trigger excessive bone breakdown. In one landmark study on magnesium benefits, the researchers lamented that the deficiency of such an “inexpensive, low-toxicity nutrient” is currently causing diseases that are a source of untold “suffering and expense” worldwide. Eating organic dark leafy greens, potatoes, raisins, chocolate, pumpkin seeds, nuts, and avocados can help ramp up your dietary intake of magnesium. Of course, your holistic healthcare provider may recommend supplementing with magnesium to avoid shortfalls. Most natural healers recommend 250 to 750 mg a day. Magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, and magnesium taurate are considered the most bioavailable forms. Vitamin D helps improve calcium absorption Vitamin D reduces the activity of the pro-inflammatory signaling molecules that are released from senescent bone cells during bone breakdown. Unsurprisingly, vitamin D shortfalls are bad news for your bones and the rest of your body. Vitamin D deficiency has been identified as a major contributor to osteoporosis – as well as to cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and lowered cognitive functioning. This fat-soluble vitamin is found in cold-water fatty fish (like wild-caught salmon), as well as in mushrooms and egg yolks. Because the body manufactures vitamin D in response to sunlight, many natural health experts advise getting 20 minutes of direct sunlight three or four times a week. However, supplementation may be necessary to maintain healthy vitamin D levels, especially in northern climates. Just remember to opt for vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) over vitamin D2. Vitamin K2 directs calcium in the body Vitamin K2’s job is to route calcium where it belongs – in the bones and teeth – while keeping it out of blood vessel walls (thereby helping to prevent heart disease). Vitamin K2 improves bone mineral density and is particularly beneficial for improving bone mineral content of the femoral bone – which is particularly susceptible to fracture during falls. Researchers have found that vitamin K2 is synergistic with vitamin D3 – meaning that each nutrient enhances the beneficial effect of the other. In an influential study published in Maturitas, supplementation with a combination of vitamins K2 and D3 protected and increased vertebral bone mass in postmenopausal women. Food sources of vitamin K2 include liver, egg yolks, and natto, a food made from fermented soybeans. Your doctor may recommend 100 mcg per day of vitamin K2 in the form of menaquinone-7, a highly available form of the nutrient. Prescription drugs can jeopardize zinc supply Zinc is needed for bone cells (osteoblasts) to create bone tissue – and is crucial for the entry of vitamin D into cells. And, yes, patients with osteoporosis have been found to have low levels of zinc. Ironically, pharmaceutical osteoporosis drugs – such as Boniva and Reclast – actually rob the body of this important trace mineral. The RDA for zinc is 8 mg for women and 11 for men. You can increase your dietary zinc intake by eating organic pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, nuts, yogurt, and cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli. Grass-fed beef, oysters, and pasture raised poultry are also rich in zinc. As with the other vitamins and minerals, consult your holistic doctor before supplementing with zinc. With millions of people either suffering from osteoporosis – or at serious risk – it’s time to fight back. And, your best weapons in the battle to slow and reverse bone loss could be these non-toxic, natural micronutrients. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov LifeExtension.com SaveOurBones.com UniversityHealthNews To read the original article click here.

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Research Identifies Best Materials for Long-Lasting Hip Implants

The AHA! Team — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:24:40 +0000

University of Bristol via News-Medical – The aim of the study was to establish hip implant materials at risk of revision to help orthopedic surgeons, and patients, and to improve shared decision making before surgery by identifying hip implants with the lowest risk of revision. Hip implants with a delta ceramic or oxidized zirconium head and highly crosslinked polyethylene liner or cup had the lowest risk of revision during the 15 years after surgery, a new study led by the University of Bristol has found. The research could help hospitals, surgeons and patients to choose what hip implant to use for replacement surgery. The aim of the study was to establish hip implant materials at risk of revision to help orthopedic surgeons, and patients, and to improve shared decision making before surgery by identifying hip implants with the lowest risk of revision. The independently conducted research, published in PLOS Medicine today [7 November], was funded by CeramTec and was supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (Bristol BRC). The researchers analyzed National Joint Registry (NJR) data from 1,026,481 hip replacement patients carried out in the NHS and private sectors in England and Wales for up to 15 years after initial hip replacement operations (between 2003 to 2019). After reviewing hip implants from the NJR data, the research team found the risk of revision following a hip replacement is influenced by the type of material used in the bearing surface. Bearing surfaces are the moving parts of an artificial hip joint that glide against each other during activity. The data indicated hip implants with a delta ceramic or oxidised zirconium head and highly crosslinked polyethylene liner or cup had the lowest risk of revision throughout the 15 years following hip replacement surgery. These findings were confirmed when the research team investigated the specific reasons for revision hip replacements being performed. The data also showed 20,869 (2 per cent) of hip replacement patients had to undergo revision after the initial surgery. Dr Erik Lenguerrand, Senior Lecturer in Medical Statistics and Quantitative Epidemiologist in the Bristol Medical School: Translational Health Sciences (THS) at the University of Bristol, and a senior author on the paper, said: “Our research has found the risk of hip replacement revision depends on the hip implant materials used in the original surgery. The lowest risk of revision are from implants with delta ceramic or oxidised zirconium head and a highly crosslinked polyethylene (HCLPE) liner or cup.” “Further research is needed to find out the association of implant materials with the risk of rehospitalization, re-operation other than revision, mortality and the cost-effectiveness of these materials.” The risk of hip replacement revision depends on the hip implant materials used in the original surgery Michael Whitehouse, Professor of Trauma and Orthopaedics at Bristol Medical School: THS, and senior clinical lead for the paper, explained: “Our study has used data from one of the largest registries in the world that includes all public and private health care sectors in England and Wales. This means that the data is more generally applicable than that available previously, which was limited by broad groupings of implant types or much smaller study size. It highlights the importance of considering the whole structure that is created when implants are put together to make up a hip replacement rather than focusing on individual components. “Our findings will help hospitals, surgeons and patients to choose hip implants and combinations of them with the lowest risk of revision following an initial hip replacement operation.” “We are always delighted when the data from the NJR can be used by researchers to produce important research of this kind which gives meaningful analysis to guide surgeons and patients in their decisions. An important value of the NJR data is that it allows researchers a unique insight to assess the long-term performance of different hip implant materials. By tracking the combinations of materials used and subsequent revision rates, this research highlights the role of implant material choice in surgical outcomes. This ensures that the materials used can be optimized for longevity and patient health. Surgeons would be well advised to study these findings carefully in relation to the implant choices they make, and to use the information in pre-operative discussions with their patients. As the demand for joint replacements continues to rise, this insight can be invaluable in reducing revision surgery.” -Tim Wilton, Medical Director of the National Joint Registry (NJR) The research was not a randomized controlled trial The research was not a randomized controlled trial and therefore it was not possible to control all factors that can influence the risk of revision. The categorization of hip implants used as part of hip replacements is often broad in national joint replacement surgery registries and does not fully show differences in revision risks associated within the different types of implant materials grouped together. Joint replacement surgery is used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal problems including osteoarthritis and acute trauma is a common and very effective surgical procedure, with over 110,000 performed annually in the United Kingdom. By 2060, the demand for joint replacement will increase by almost 40 per cent from current levels. Joint replacements are long-lasting, with over half of hip and knee replacements lasting over 25 years. The research team would like to thank the patients and staff of all the hospitals in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland who have contributed data to the NJR, along with the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership, the NJR Research Committee, and staff at the NJR for facilitating the research. Source: University of Bristol Journal reference: Whitehouse, M. R., et al. (2024). The association of bearing surface materials with the risk of revision following primary total hip replacement: A cohort analysis of 1,026,481 hip replacements from the National Joint Registry. PLOS Medicine. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1004478. To read the original article click here.

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Hammer Toe Treatment Gets People on Their Feet Faster

The AHA! Team — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 06:26:43 +0000

Duke Health – If your toes are crooked or stiff, you may have a hammer toe. They may be caused by a sudden injury, chronic instability, an autoimmune disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis), or tight or improperly sized shoes. Here, Andrew Hanselman, MD, a Duke Health foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon, explains treatment options. How is hammer toe treated? Hammer toes can be treated with stretching exercises, comfortable wide-toe-box shoes, and over-the-counter toe spacers and metatarsal pads, which help keep the toes separated and cushioned, so they don’t rub against each other. If your toe is also rubbing up against the underside of your shoe, you can use small pads, found in most drugstores, to cover and protect the toe. Will I need surgery for hammer toe? Surgery for hammer toes may be recommended to remove some bone and straighten the toe. A foot and ankle surgeon may also manipulate the soft tissue and move the insertion point of the tendon muscle to make the correction even better. Once the toe is straight, they use a variety of techniques, such as a pin, which stays in the toe for several weeks, to hold the toe straight while it heals. These pins are then removed by the surgeon in clinic with little to no discomfort. The pin technique allows the toe to remain straight with no residual metal left inside your body. Another technique uses a small metal implant to hold the toe together while it fuses. This is usually permanent but does not require removal afterwards. Our foot and ankle specialists will recommend the procedure that is right for you after discussing your preference, and the bone quality of your foot. Is surgery for hammer toe painful? Surgery for hammer toes is an outpatient procedure; it does not require a hospital stay. Although every situation may be different, the majority of these procedures are performed under a regional nerve block along with anesthesia administered through an IV to help you relax. This allows for a pain-free process while being safer than traditional regional anesthesia. Often, people are able to walk afterwards using a supportive specialized post-surgical shoe or sandal that is provided at the hospital or surgery center. How long does it take to wear regular shoes and walk normally after surgery? Most people return to wearing regular shoes around six to eight weeks following surgery. Low-impact activities, such as walking for exercise, may begin at that time. Depending on how quickly you heal, you can typically return to higher impact activities, such as riding a bike or using an elliptical machine, around three months and running/jumping activities around four to six months. To read the original article click here.

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Does Marijuana Affect Weight Gain or Bone Density?

The AHA! Team — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 08:19:02 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Are the apparent adverse effects of heavy cannabis use on the bone just due to users being thinner? It’s been recognized for decades that cigarette smoking can have “a major effect” on bone health, “increasing the lifetime risk of hip fracture by about half.” It also appears to impair bone healing, so much so that surgeons ask if they should discriminate against smokers because their bone and wound-healing complication rates are so high. What about smoking marijuana? As I discuss in my video Effects of Marijuana on Weight Gain and Bone Density, “There is accumulating evidence to suggest that cannabinoids [cannabis compounds] and their receptors play important roles in bone metabolism by regulating bone mass, bone loss, and bone cell function.” Okay, but are they “friend or foe?” “Results from research on cannabinoids and bone mineral density in rodent models have been inconsistent. Some studies show increased bone formation, others have demonstrated accelerated bone loss, and yet others have shown no association. This variation in results may be due [in part] to differences in the mouse strain, sex, age…” If you can’t even extrapolate from one mouse to another, how can you extrapolate from mice to human beings? What if you just measure cannabis use and bone mineral density in people? Researchers tested thousands of adults and asked them about their cannabis use. There did not appear to be any link between the two, which is a relief. However, in this study, “heavy” cannabis use was defined as just five or more days of use in the previous 30 days. The researchers didn’t ask beyond that, so, theoretically, someone who smoked just five joints in their entire life could be categorized as a “heavy user” if they happened to use it five times in the last four weeks. How about cannabis use on 5,000 separate occasions over a lifetime? Now that’s a heavy user—decades of regular use. In that case, heavy use was “associated with low bone mineral density and an increased risk of fractures”—about double the fracture rate presumably due to lower bone density in the hip and spine, although heavy cannabis users were also thinner on average, and thinner people have lighter bones. Hip fracture risk goes down as our weight goes up. Nearly half of underweight women have osteoporosis, but less than 1 percent of obese women do, which makes total sense. Being obese forces our body to make our bones stronger to carry around all of that extra weight. That’s why weight-bearing exercise is so important to constantly put stress on our skeleton. When it comes to our bones, it’s use it or lose it. That’s why astronauts can lose a percent of their bone mass every month in “long-duration spaceflight.” Their bodies aren’t stupid. Why waste all that energy making a strong skeleton if you aren’t going to put any weight on it? So, maybe the reason heavy cannabis users have frailer bones is because they tend to be about 15 pounds lighter. Wait a second. Marijuana users are slimmer? What about the munchies? “The lower BMI that was observed in heavy cannabis users at first sight seems counterintuitive,” given marijuana’s appetite stimulation, but this isn’t the first time this has been noted. “Popular culture commonly depicts marijuana users as a sluggish, lethargic, and unproductive subculture of compulsive snackers,” and marijuana has indeed been found to increase food intake. A single hit can increase appetite, so you’d expect obesity rates to rise in states that legalized it. But, if anything, the rise in obesity appeared to slow after medical marijuana laws were passed, whereas it appeared to just keep rising in other states, as you can see in the graph below and at 3:45 in my video. The reason pot smokers may be slimmer is because of the effect of smoked marijuana on metabolism. We’ve known for more than nearly 40 years that within 15 minutes of lighting up, our metabolic rate goes up by about 25 percent and stays there for at least an hour, as you can see below and at 4:04 in my video. So, that may be playing a role. Is that why heavy cannabis use is associated with lower bone mineral density and increased risk of fractures? Because users just aren’t as overweight? No. Even when taking BMI into account, heavy cannabis use appears to be “an independent predictor” of weaker bones. I originally released a series of marijuana videos in a webinar and downloadable digital DVD. There are still a few videos coming out over the next year, but if you missed any of the already published ones, see the related posts below. For more on bone health, check out the related posts below. Key Takeaways Cigarette smoking is known to have a major negative effect on bone health, increasing the risk of hip fracture and impairing bone healing. Surgeons questioned whether they should discriminate against smokers due to higher complication rates. Cannabinoids and their receptors are implicated in bone metabolism, influencing bone mass, bone loss, and bone cell function. However, research on cannabinoids’ effects on bone mineral density in rodents has shown inconsistent results. Heavy cannabis use, defined as more than 5,000 separate occasions over a lifetime, is “associated with low bone mineral density and an increased risk of fractures.” This risk is about double compared to non-heavy users, potentially due to users’ lower bone density in the hip and spine. Heavy cannabis users, despite experiencing increased appetite (the munchies), tend to have lower BMI and are slimmer. The increased metabolic rate observed after smoking marijuana may contribute to this, but heavy cannabis use remains an independent predictor of weaker bones, even when considering BMI. To read the original article click here.

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