Protect the spine through exercise by Karen Kemmis, PT, DPT

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to fracture. In the US today, approximately 10 million individuals already have the disease, and an estimated 34 million more have low bone density, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis and fractures. Of the 10 million Americans estimated to have osteoporosis, eight million (80%)
are women and two million (20%) are men.

Bone loss and osteoporosis most often occur in individuals ages 50 and older. As age increases, fracture risk also increases. Women can lose up to 20% of bone density during the five to seven years following menopause. Bone loss tends to progress at a slower rate in men, and it usually occurs at a later age than in women.