Osteoporosis Prevention Archives

Osteoporosis--questions about supplements and Rx treatments...

I had an osteoporosis screening today (ultrasound of the heel) and part of the deal was to watch a video about preventing and treating it. Most of it was garbage except for Peggy Fleming skating! They promoted Tums and OS-Cal, bigtime, and the wellness packet they gave me included lots of coupons & propaganda :)

Why is it that calcium carbonate is always recommended as the best calcium source? I know the position of Dr. Stoll and others on this BB about calcium supplements, but is there some research out there that shows that calcium carbonate/vitamin D is actually absorbed or does anything? My mom has severe osteoporosis (in fact she recently broke a hip), but all her doctor ever says is to take OS-Cal (we are working on getting her on cal-hydroxyapatite). In the hospital they actually gave her Tums, which I know is pretty worthless as a calcium source because it reduces stomach acid.

Additionally, I had a discussion with my holistic vet today about elderly moms while I was there with my kitty. His mother-in-law has osteoporosis too, and they are looking for a good calcium supplement for her. He's looking into calcium lactate, and I told him about the cal-hydroxyapatite.

The vet also mentioned that his MIL had severe back pain for months and she got immediate relief from an osteoporosis drug that came in the form of a nasal spray. She was able to stop all her pain meds right away. I didn't quite catch the name, but it sounded like mil... or min... something. Does anyone know about this?

My mom also has a lot of lower back pain and I'm wondering if it's not arthritis at all, but osteoporosis that's causing it. Some of it seems to be subluxation and muscle-related, because chiropractic treatments and massage therapy (prior to the hip fx) did help some, but it continues. The pain is worse there than the hip, much of the time. As I mentioned, I'm going to get her started on the supplement, but if prescription meds will work sooner, I'm willing to look into it. The back pain is definitely hindering her recovery, comfort, and mobility.

Would appreciate any info or discussion.

Nutmeg

Re: Osteoporosis--questions about supplements and Rx treatments... (Archive.)