hance
Free Rider
My personal tattoo artist.
Posts: 389
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Post by hance on Feb 26, 2008 13:33:14 GMT 8
I just had a Bone Density screening at the office. I wasn't planning to but my 2 officemates brought me along. When the results came out I had the lowest score, meaning, I had a bit higher risk of osteoporosis than them (or I had weaker bones than them ). I was a bit surprised cause of the three, I am the only one who had a healthy (kinda') and active lifestyle. Both of them dont have ANY sort of exercise. One of them is taller, younger, and heavier than me, the other one is a bit shorter, older, and lighter than me. The older one is also a regular smoker. All three of us are occasional drinkers (alcohol) and also regular coffee drinkers. The younger one and myself both drink milk while the older one does not. What gives? I have read a few articles before where it is said that cycling is not that beneficial to bone mass. It is said that bones would benefit more in impact sports such as running, etc. Another question that came to mind is - couldn't dirt jumping / downhilling / freeriding be considered impact sport? Just curious.
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Post by Ben Dover on Feb 26, 2008 13:51:21 GMT 8
interesting subject...i'm curious too.
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Post by Ben Dover on Feb 26, 2008 13:53:33 GMT 8
anyway hance, how was the test conducted? was it by a special machine or some sort of x-ray?
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hance
Free Rider
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Posts: 389
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Post by hance on Feb 26, 2008 16:07:41 GMT 8
anyway hance, how was the test conducted? was it by a special machine or some sort of x-ray? It looks like some sort of an ultrasound machine. The med personnel scanned my shin. BTW, one of the division heads at the office told me that those machines are not that accurate, unlike the huge DEXA (Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) machine which scans the whole body. Hmm. Makes sense.
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berns
XC Rider
He who does only what is ask is a slave but he who does more is a free man
Posts: 113
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Post by berns on Feb 26, 2008 16:26:47 GMT 8
I don't think cycling can co'z health problems but bad posture, coffee and other bad habits like not eating properly etc,. would.
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Post by BrusKO on Feb 26, 2008 17:37:50 GMT 8
HTH: Bone, the Vote We're doing one more round on bone loss in male cyclists. It's an important issue on a lot of men's minds, as our just concluded poll revealed. We asked: "Men, have you had a test (DEXA scan) to determine your bone density?" More than 1,000 guys participated. Their responses broke down this way: 8% = Yes, and the test said my bones are fine 3% = Yes, and the test said my bones are marginal 6% = Yes, and I've been diagnosed with osteopenia 2% = Yes, and I've been diagnosed with osteoporosis 24% = No, but I intend to have a test 24% = No, I didn't know till now cyclists can have bone problems 34% = No, bone density isn't a concern of mine So 19% have had a DEXA scan and 24% say they're going to. We hope the 24% who admit to being in the dark about this issue will consider being tested too (see options below). One in 10 men in this poll have bone density issues or are on the verge. The good news is that plenty can be done to arrest and even reverse bone loss. Things you can do yourself are mentioned in this issue and there are prescription drugs such as Fosamax, Boniva and Actonel. As for the 34% who aren't concerned about this issue, we hope it's not because they have their heads in the sand. Maybe they know they're okay because they are under 40, combining weight-bearing exercise with cycling, and ingesting at least 1,200 mg of calcium per day via meals and supplements. A DEXA scan costs $225-$400, according to information from a hospital near RBR headquarters in Pennsylvania. It depends on your location. A scan is basically an x-ray -- quick, painless and noninvasive. Sallie Urffer (see next item) tells RBR that cyclists can opt for a similar test called a heel screening. "It may be free at health fairs and some clinics or cost about $35 at a medical facility," says Sallie. "It's 80% accurate. If there is a -1.5 T score then the person's insurance should cover the cost of the DEXA. If the person is -1.4 or better there is no real need for a DEXA. They should just get screened again in two years and take all the precautions to help decrease bone loss." Vitamin D, Bone Loss and Muscle Strength Last week, this newsletter emphasized the importance of calcium in combating bone loss among cyclists. Aging riders in particular should be ingesting 1,200-1,500 mg per day from a combination of food and supplements. But that discussion didn't stress an essential nutrient -- vitamin D -- that governs your body's ability to absorb and use calcium. Without enough D, even an optimum daily intake of calcium probably won't counteract bone loss. RBR reader Sallie Urffer, LPTA, MHA, figured we need to know more about the importance of vitamin D for bone strength and muscle strength. Besides being a cyclist, she is the former program director of the Metabolic Bone Team at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and is now with the Lehigh Valley Health Network. From www.roadbikerider.com
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hance
Free Rider
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Posts: 389
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Post by hance on Feb 26, 2008 18:39:15 GMT 8
Hmm... interesting. What got me initially curious though is how my bones are found to be weaker than two other guys who doesn't exercise at all.
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Post by Ben Dover on Feb 26, 2008 21:39:50 GMT 8
hance has point.
this is a portion of an article i got from wikipedia:
( i highlighted some interesting paragraphs)
Potentially modifiable
* Tobacco smoking - tobacco smoking inhibits the activity of osteoblasts, and is an independent risk factor for osteoporosis.[7] * Low body mass index - being overweight protects against osteoporosis, either by increasing load or through the hormone leptin.[8] * Malnutrition * Alcoholism * Insufficient physical activity - bone performs remodeling in response to physical stress. People who remain physically active throughout life have a lower risk of osteoporosis. The kind of physical activity that have most effects on bone are weight bearing exercises. The bony prominences and attachments in runners are different in shape and size than those in weightlifters. Physical activity has its greatest impact during adolescence, affecting peak bone mass most. In adults, physical activity helps maintain bone mass, and can increase it by 1 or 2%. Physical fitness in later life is associated more with a decreased risk of falling than with an increased bone mineral density. Conversely, people who are bedridden are at a significantly increased risk. * Excess physical activity - excessive exercise can lead to constant damages to the bones which can cause exhaustion of the structures as described above. There are numerous examples of marathon runners who developed severe osteoporosis later in life. In females, heavy exercise leads to amenorrhea (suppression of the menstrual cycle), which is associated with decreased estrogen levels. * Heavy metals - a strong association between cadmium, lead and bone disease has been established. Low level exposure to cadmium is associated with an increased loss of bone mineral density readily in both genders, leading to pain and increased risk of fractures, especially in elderly and in females. Higher cadmium exposure results in osteomalacia (softening of the bone).[9] * Soft drinks - some studies indicate that soft drinks (many of which contain phosphoric acid) may increase risk of osteoporosis;[10] others suggest soft drinks may displace calcium-containing drinks from the diet rather than directly causing osteoporosis.[11]
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Post by Alphabolt on Feb 26, 2008 21:45:01 GMT 8
wow ..just when you think you ve read it all ... good thread , guys. thanks! very informative
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Post by flipnidaho on Feb 26, 2008 21:45:32 GMT 8
since i'm lactose intolerant (can't drink or eat dairy products), i take calcium supplements and run every other day... you can also hike if your legs can't take the pounding of running (it's also good active recovery for your rest days). downhilling, bmx-ing, urban assault is not really an impact sport unless you hit the ground with your face (which still doesn't do anything for your bone density)...
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Post by jr on Feb 26, 2008 23:34:48 GMT 8
I'm also lactose intolerant. But you can get calcium supplement in other food or fruits. I had 2 set bone scan within 3 months a part including MRI regards to abnormality result one of the blood test . The test was regards to nagging lower back and upper back pain I was having. First thought my doctor told me it might be Paget decease. He consulted to Radiologist and requested a bone scan ASAP. They injected a kind of silicone on my blood stream them back after 3 hours for the test. The test and the machine almost similar to MRI and take a hour with many different positions. The good news all the test are normal. So my nagging pain still going off and on. If I dont exercise I have the pain . Probably need more saddle time ;D ;D. My doctor also suggest to do more impact exercises, light weight training, flexibility along with biking habits to balance the circulation throughout my body. Since biking is mostly impacted the lower body. He also mentioned to develop a good core muscles.
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Post by yukon on Feb 27, 2008 7:28:55 GMT 8
i didnt find this amusing after my bone scan the results yielded I have osteoporosis and my other officemate whose lifestyle was home - work - home had amazing results. what gives
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Post by Alphabolt on Feb 27, 2008 8:39:54 GMT 8
I'm also lactose intolerant. But you can get calcium supplement in other food or fruits. I had 2 set bone scan within 3 months a part including MRI regards to abnormality result one of the blood test . The test was regards to nagging lower back and upper back pain I was having. First thought my doctor told me it might be Paget decease. He consulted to Radiologist and requested a bone scan ASAP. They injected a kind of silicone on my blood stream them back after 3 hours for the test. The test and the machine almost similar to MRI and take a hour with many different positions. The good news all the test are normal. So my nagging pain still going off and on. If I dont exercise I have the pain . Probably need more saddle time ;D ;D. My doctor also suggest to do more impact exercises, light weight training, flexibility along with biking habits to balance the circulation throughout my body. Since biking is mostly impacted the lower body. He also mentioned to develop a good core muscles. I didnt know you belonged to the backpain club, JR ...welcome same here...I have pain when I dont exercise at least 1x a week
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Post by Alphabolt on Feb 27, 2008 8:43:09 GMT 8
Maybe as bikers we use our muscles with great exertion and over long periods of time that our bones get compressed and lose out ?
sorry for the case of oversimplification
this thread is a Catch 22 for me
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Post by Ben Dover on Feb 27, 2008 10:46:59 GMT 8
one helluva roadie from PCN who works with DTI...i rode with him twice and and he really was fast and strong sonofagun...was active in racing...then he went silent...later i found out from his post that he got this condition...i forgot what exactly was term used but from what i understand nakakadikit-dikit yung buto nya sa spinal column...dang! can you believe that? i wonder what is his condition now.
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Post by lucban on Feb 27, 2008 11:09:45 GMT 8
if you're a recreational biker or ride less than 100 mile a week, i don't think biking will cause a negative effect or bone loss.This problem is only common on professional cyclist who ride 6-7 days a week or >300 miles a week.Cross training is one way to prevent bone loss cause by cycling Ex:road biking plus one high impact sports like basketball,mtbiking,"Patintero"....
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Post by allegra on Feb 27, 2008 11:18:40 GMT 8
Could be input ng calcium is high , but the bone doesnt retain it Malakas din ang output /calcium loss or something like that The ortho was explaining it to mmy mom kaso I wasnt listening
btw , it's hard to absorb calcium I take it 400mg 3x a day AFTER meals for max absorption If I remember right , anything over 500mg at 1 take would not be absorbed If I dont , I get lower back pain I'm blaming it on 10cups of coffee a day( down from 15 cups )
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xfire
All-Mountain Rider
ride on
Posts: 189
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Post by xfire on Feb 27, 2008 11:37:57 GMT 8
Hmmm, variable results we guys have.
My major exercise is biking a minimum of once a week to 3 times a week. Seldom gym for me, unless its rainy season.
I have the highest score in the office. The machine used was an ultra sound to my wrist and arm. The technicians said that exercise increases bone density. Hmmmmm
Unless, all those downhill jackhammering made my wrist bones and arms thick. Hahahaha
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Post by Alphabolt on Feb 27, 2008 19:59:34 GMT 8
Could be input ng calcium is high , but the bone doesnt retain it Malakas din ang output /calcium loss or something like that The ortho was explaining it to mmy mom kaso I wasnt listening btw , it's hard to absorb calcium I take it 400mg 3x a day AFTER meals for max absorption If I remember right , anything over 500mg at 1 take would not be absorbed If I dont , I get lower back pain I'm blaming it on 10cups of coffee a day( down from 15 cups ) solution daw is calcium + vit D (helps absorb calcium) ...reading through the thread I checked my calcium pills bottles and guess what... almost all Calcium tablets now contain Vit D ...so it should work na
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Post by allegra on Feb 27, 2008 21:13:27 GMT 8
Could be input ng calcium is high , but the bone doesnt retain it Malakas din ang output /calcium loss or something like that The ortho was explaining it to mmy mom kaso I wasnt listening btw , it's hard to absorb calcium I take it 400mg 3x a day AFTER meals for max absorption If I remember right , anything over 500mg at 1 take would not be absorbed If I dont , I get lower back pain I'm blaming it on 10cups of coffee a day( down from 15 cups ) solution daw is calcium + vit D (helps absorb calcium) ...reading through the thread I checked my calcium pills bottles and guess what... almost all Calcium tablets now contain Vit D ...so it should work na generic kasi yung calcium ko hehe
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Post by Alphabolt on Feb 27, 2008 22:03:44 GMT 8
answer to our budget prayers: S&R (formerly pricesmart)
Calcium in big bottles at affordable prices
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Post by allegra on Feb 27, 2008 22:14:40 GMT 8
answer to our budget prayers: S&R (formerly pricesmart) Calcium is big bottles at affordable prices Do they have glucosamine too?
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Post by jr on Feb 27, 2008 23:12:37 GMT 8
I'm also lactose intolerant. But you can get calcium supplement in other food or fruits. I had 2 set bone scan within 3 months a part including MRI regards to abnormality result one of the blood test . The test was regards to nagging lower back and upper back pain I was having. First thought my doctor told me it might be Paget decease. He consulted to Radiologist and requested a bone scan ASAP. They injected a kind of silicone on my blood stream them back after 3 hours for the test. The test and the machine almost similar to MRI and take a hour with many different positions. The good news all the test are normal. So my nagging pain still going off and on. If I dont exercise I have the pain . Probably need more saddle time ;D ;D. My doctor also suggest to do more impact exercises, light weight training, flexibility along with biking habits to balance the circulation throughout my body. Since biking is mostly impacted the lower body. He also mentioned to develop a good core muscles. I didnt know you belonged to the backpain club, JR ...welcome same here...I have pain when I dont exercise at least 1x a week Yap... After my first orthopedic doctor advice me not play basketball due to narrowing spinal lumbar. I have this pain 16 years and counting. This happen when my son was only 4 months old doing squats. Suddenly had a sudden sharp pain on lower back. The pain it comes and goes but just ignoring and continue my daily life. Had gone 6 personal doctors, 3 orthopedic, 2 MRI, 2 bone scan, cat scan and lots of x -rays but all of them could not find the problem. But my present doctor really trying hard finding the cause. We had lots of conversation and test done. He was the one recommended and bone scan with the new MRI technology. The conclusion he told me was could be muscle tightening and causing the nerve squeeze to the bone. He recommended stretches and weight training to straightening those areas. Sorry for the OT folks . Just a reminder..He told me regards to vitamins, if your daily intake of food covers the necessary supplement in your systems the rest become a waste.
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Post by Alphabolt on Feb 27, 2008 23:44:34 GMT 8
answer to our budget prayers: S&R (formerly pricesmart) Calcium in big bottles at affordable prices Do they have glucosamine too? Yup yup. they have many kinds of supplements jr , I can imagine your back pain...I think its a similar problem of having pinched nerves or "sciatica"...although our causes are different: mine is herniated disc amd yours is muscle contraction ++ ....exercise + traction and anti-inflammatory drugs help us
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Post by jr on Feb 27, 2008 23:53:24 GMT 8
Do they have glucosamine too? Yup yup. they have many kinds of supplements jr , I can imagine your back pain...I think its a similar problem of having pinched nerves or "sciatica"...although our causes are different: mine is herniated disc amd yours is muscle contraction ++ ....exercise + traction and anti-inflammatory drugs help us My previous doctors prescribe those medication but I rearly taken them due to side effect. My present doctor asked me if interested a pain blocker but with side effect of tiredness. I decided not to take it. I just continue my routine exercises and help a lot specially weight training.
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Post by Patrick on Feb 28, 2008 0:09:48 GMT 8
Yup yup. they have many kinds of supplements jr , I can imagine your back pain...I think its a similar problem of having pinched nerves or "sciatica"...although our causes are different: mine is herniated disc amd yours is muscle contraction ++ ....exercise + traction and anti-inflammatory drugs help us Arnel you had sciatica too? For me trials cured my sciatica hehe and not carrying anything more than 2 kilos hehe.
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Post by Alphabolt on Feb 28, 2008 0:22:03 GMT 8
Yup yup. they have many kinds of supplements jr , I can imagine your back pain...I think its a similar problem of having pinched nerves or "sciatica"...although our causes are different: mine is herniated disc amd yours is muscle contraction ++ ....exercise + traction and anti-inflammatory drugs help us Arnel you had sciatica too? For me trials cured my sciatica hehe and not carrying anything more than 2 kilos hehe. yup, Pat brad...strange enough, it seems that tough single speed riding help my back problem also...I hope my sciatica gets melted away by the strenuous uphill SS riding with the SS halimaws leading(JM & Agu)
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Post by allegra on Feb 28, 2008 5:22:27 GMT 8
brad , maybe the SS lack of suspension wil toughen the bones
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Post by Alphabolt on Feb 28, 2008 9:21:15 GMT 8
brad , maybe the SS lack of suspension wil toughen the bones It will but it will also misalign my back bones heheh ;D ;D better to use front suspension and just torque out my legs sa uphills which in turn strengthens my back muscles--->which in turn aligns and relieves my back discs and nerves try SS pre..hiram ka muna dyan [buy one ;D] then spin and mash uphill you ll hear some back realignments
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Post by allegra on Feb 28, 2008 10:42:26 GMT 8
brad , maybe the SS lack of suspension wil toughen the bones It will but it will also misalign my back bones heheh ;D ;D better to use front suspension and just torque out my legs sa uphills which in turn strengthens my back muscles--->which in turn aligns and relieves my back discs and nerves try SS pre..hiram ka muna dyan [buy one ;D] then spin and mash uphill you ll hear some back realignments That's what I need , spine reailignment I use a 39x25 sa climbs dito on my roadie I dont know if it's my knees , my back or my frame creaking
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