Osteoporosis screening and prevention in the chiropractic clinic.
Osteoporosis is a significant health problem among women. Fractures appear to occur once bone mass falls below a certain threshold. Maximization of bone mass may therefore constitute a measure for promoting skeletal health. Dietary calcium consumption of 1-1.5 g/day and adequate weight-bearing exercise maximize bone mass in all age groups. A small survey of women attending the chiropractic clinics of Phillip Institute suggests that routine screening for osteoporosis risk factors may be justified. A self-care program for improving skeletal health in women who fail to meet the dietary calcium and exercise risk minimization criteria is provided.