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American Bone Health has closed.  However, on October 1, 2023, we joined forces with the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) so that BHOF could continue offering all of the important programs and services created by American Bone Health. Please visit www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org for more information about the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation.

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Spine Fracture Awareness

Bone health rarely becomes a topic of conversation, even when someone breaks a bone.

Typically, fracture patients blame their clumsiness or carelessness, but rarely question whether their bones should have been strong enough to withstand the break in the first place.

Fractures may seem incidental, but in fact, fractures can be a painful warning that your entire skeletal structure is deteriorating.  Bone loss increases after age 45 and continues as we age.

I am particularly alarmed about fractures that happen in the spine.

As bone loss progresses, small micro fractures can occur in the vertebra until the individual spine bone collapses in a compression fracture. As the spine bones fracture, you begin to lose height and the internal organs get squeezed together – having nowhere to go but to pooch out through your belly. The skeletal structure that once dutifully protected your lungs, stomach, and intestines is forever compromised. You can’t breathe, your digestion is out of whack and your clothes no longer fit.

Yes, there are ways to reduce the chances of breaking a spine bone. It begins with awareness of your individual bone health.

  • Are you over age 45?
  • Do you have a family history of osteoporosis or fractures?
  • Do you have a medical condition that could increase bone loss?

You might not know what steps to take without a bone density test. With that information, you can make informed decisions about bone healthy nutrition, bone safe exercise and whether you need to consider a medication to support your bones.

Take care of your spine bones now so you can be tall and strong for a long and healthy life.

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Calculate Your Risk

The American Bone Health Fracture Risk Calculator™ estimates fracture risk for women and men over age 45.

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