Osteoporosis therapy
It is estimated that more than eight million people are suffering from osteoporosis in Germany alone. It is mostly post-menopausal women who are affected, but around 30 % of patients are men.
Bone loss – also known as osteoporosis – is a metabolic disease in which more bone mass is destroyed than is being replaced. The bones become porous and lose substance and strength. This process often progresses unnoticed over a long period. The first bone fracture caused by the osteoporosis, for example a vertebral fracture, often occurs out of the blue. Osteoporosis is one of the ten most common diseases and is characterised by brittle bones, bent posture and decreasing height.
Since 2006, in addition to drug therapy and the recommendation of exercise and medical physiotherapy, the use of braces to straighten the spine have become a firm part of the guidelines of the German-speaking Association of Specialists in Osteology [Dachverband der Deutschsprachigen Osteologischen Fachgesellschaften] (DVO). Since July 2006, the wearing of a back orthosis has been recommended for the treatment of osteoporosis in cases where there is damage to the spine caused by vertebral fractures. Spinomed and Spinomed active(1) are the only back orthoses that have provided the scientific evidence required by the DVO.
Since 30 % of all osteoporosis patients are men, there is now a back orthosis especially for men, the Spinomed active men.
In 2004 it was scientifically proven in a study(2) that the wearing of the medi Spinomed back orthosis prevented the development of a dowager’s hump by straightening the damaged vertebral column and strengthening the weakened back muscles.
Sources
(1) M. Pfeifer, L. Kohlwey, B. Begerow, H.W. Minne: The Orthoses Spinomed and Spinomed active Improve Posture, Trunk Muscle Strength, and Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women with Spinal Osteoporosis: A Controlled, Randomized, and Prospective Clinical Trial. World Osteoporosis Congress of the International Osteoporosis Foundation (“IOF”) Toronto, Canada, June 2006; Poster P384MO
(2) M. Pfeifer, B. Begerow, H.W. Minne; Effects of a new spinal Orthosis on Posture, Trunk Strength and Quality of Life in Women with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis; Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2004; 83: Page 177-186
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