Advanced Care Program: Paralysis
Osteoporosis and Fractures
Due to the decrease in mobility from paralysis, many spinal cord injury survivors and patients with spina bifida develop osteoporosis. There are many risk factors that contribute to an individual developing osteoporosis. Some of these cannot be avoided, such as being over 50 years of age, being female, early on-set of menopause, being white or Asian, having a small build, and having a family history of osteoporosis. Other risk factors that contribute to an individual developing osteoporosis are sedentary lifestyle (being immobile), tobacco use, alcohol abuse, nutritional deficiencies, and excessive protein intake. In order to reduce your chances of osteoporosis, you must focus on those things you can control. To reduce your chances of developing osteoporosis:
- Develop a routine exercise program or range of motion exercise program
- Eat a well-balanced diet and maintain adequate fluid intake
- If you use tobacco, stop
- Reduce or eliminate your alcohol consumption
- Talk with your doctor about calcium supplements and other medications
Nutrition and lifestyle play an important part in reaching peak bone mass prior to the start of the fourth decade of life and maintaining it thereafter. Low calcium intake and a lack of weight bearing exercise have both been implicated as risk factors for the development of osteoporosis. It has been estimated that 75% of females over 35 years of age have calcium intakes below 800 mg/day. Possible reasons include a diet poor in dairy products, desire for low-fat diet or weight loss, or allergies. This often results in low calcium intakes ranging from 200-300 mg/day. The National Institutes of Health and the National Osteoporosis Foundation has recommended 1,000 mg of elemental calcium daily for men and pre-menopausal women and up to 1,500 mg for post-menopausal women. Teenagers, who are in their peak bone-building years, should have 1,200-1,500 mg/day.
Paralysis Topics
Recognizing and Preventing Autonomic Dysreflexia
Recognizing and Preventing Pressure Sores
Recognizing and Preventing Urinary Tract Infections
Skin Care
Osteoporosis and Fractures
Spasticity
Bowel Management
Respiratory Complications
Smoking and Paralysis
Male Sexuality
The Importance of Range of Motion Exercises
Female Sexuality
Nutrition & Spinal Cord Injury
Wheelchair Cushion Maintenance
Latex Allergies
