What in the world is going on? Both my mother and her sister (my aunt) have osteoporosis. Both of their husbands have hip and knee replacements for arthritis. Their golden years of retirement have turned into a medical nightmare. Is this what we are all going to have to look forward to as we get older? Can we do anything to prevent it?
You have pointed out something that is happening around the world. Studies do indeed confirm the rising rates of joint diseases as a leading cause of early retirement, disability, and rising health care costs. These trends have caught the attention of the World Health Organization (WHO).
As a result, they set up a special program in 2000. The program was called the Bone and Joint Decade. The goal was to improve quality of life for people with musculoskeletal problems throughout the world. This program was especially geared toward adults over the age of 65. Half of all chronic health problems in this age group are caused by joint diseases.
Traffic accidents and war are two other factors linked with the rising numbers of bone and joint disorders in younger adults, too. Not only that, but neck pain affecting the upper back and arms disables many more people of all ages than we ever thought possible.
What can be done? Studies are looking for ways to identify risk factors that can be modified or changed. Change in behavior or lifestyle are often the first suggestions. Education and prevention are the areas targeted for current studies. Understanding the causes of neck and back pain and joint disorders will go a long way to helping us prevent these problems.
Right now, we have far more questions than answers. We know that exercise and proper nutrition can make a difference. Experts are looking for a specific prescription of exercise (how much? what kind? how long?). The results of many studies show that almost any kind of exercise is beneficial.
So if you aren't in a program of regular exercise, get started. If you are, stick with it. Thirty minutes of daily activity and exercise is advised. New findings suggest 60 minutes is even better. Watch here for future news reports to help guide you in planning a program that best suits your specific needs and concerns.
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