The pain remedy that steals your bone density 6 times faster

When researchers at the Henry Ford Hospital examined the medical effects of a standard treatment for back pain, they were shocked at what they found: A commonly given injection drastically drains bone strength — especially among certain women.

The scientists discovered that when doctors give epidural steroid injections to postmenopausal women to relieve back pain, the women lose their bone density six times faster.

“The findings of our study suggest that epidural steroid injections for back pain relief should be approached cautiously in patients at risk for bone fragility,” says researcher Shlomo Mandel. “Physicians who do prescribe them should consider measures that optimize bone health such as calcium and vitamin D supplements and exercise as part of their patient’s treatment plan.”

Back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the United States. It afflicts eight of 10 people at some point during their lives. Doctors frequently offer anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy for back problems. In addition, an epidural steroid is often prescribed to relieve back pain.

“Patients receiving multiple steroid injections with a history of steroid exposure may be especially susceptible to compromised bone strength,” Mandel warns.

What can you do to avoid bone loss but still relieve back pain?

Research at Harvard shows there are a few things you can do on your own to lower your risk of back pain. They include:

• Giving up smoking. Inflammation from tobacco smoke can exacerbate back problems.
• Losing weight. Carrying extra body fat around, especially when it hangs out over your belt, puts extra stress on those spinal discs that are relics from prehistoric times.
• Cutting back on alcoholic beverages. Over-indulgence in alcohol creates extra inflammation that does bad things to your back.
• Trying Pilates exercises. A study at the Sydney Medical School in Australia shows these may help ease back issues.
• Using herbs like devil’s claw and chamomile. Dr. Michael Cutler also recommends trying homeopathic arnica, taking extra vitamin C (3,000 mg daily with bioflavonids), and enzymes like bromelain to relieve back pain

Additionally, researchers at the Sunlight, Nutrition and Health Research Center found that a lack of vitamin D contributes to the large number of people worldwide who suffer low back pain.

And let’s not forget about the harm sitting too much can do to your back. Whenever possible take short walks or at the very least stand up and do these stretches, even in your office.

Taking steps to relieve back pain and keeping your back healthy by reducing damage is definitely preferable to drastic procedures and surgery.