Kenneth Gardner
ONE OF the most devastating diseases of the skeletal system that can be altered by exercise is osteoporosis. It is characterised by a decrease in the bone mineral density of the skeleton and an increase in the risk for postural deformities and bone fracture.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by the wearing away of cartilage from the bones and the disc in the spine. It exposes the surfaces of the bones which then make contact with each other, this results in the pain that is associated with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis causes pain much more frequently in the spine as well as in the joints of our extremities than osteoporosis.
NOT MUCH PAIN
Osteoporosis does not cause much pain unless the bones are fractured, and will most likely cause pain in the spine but rarely in the extremities. Both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis can exist at the same time in the same individual. Pain in the joints is more likely the result of osteoarthritis than osteoporosis.
As exercise becomes more acceptable and appreciated for its invaluable contribution to our well-being, we need to be prudent in its prescription and dispense. Exercise can prevent and reverse the development of osteoporosis. The correct dispense of exercise can prevent the development of osteoarthritis and it can be managed efficiently with the correct application of the right kinds of exercises.
The indiscriminate performance of physical exercise will hurt or damage the body and exacerbate problems such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. A sudden burst of high intensity exercise without the necessary preparation of the body will result in erratic changes in the body function and act as a deterrent to prolonging the activity.
SPECIFIC BENEFITS
Specific exercises are accompanied by specific physiological benefits to the body to prevent osteoporosis. Similarly, our skeletal architecture is endowed with features to prevent the development of osteoarthritis. The weight-bearing or articular surfaces of the bones are covered with articular cartilage which absorbs shocks, prevents direct wear on the bones and modifies the shapes of the bones to ensure a better fit. Some joints have specialised modifications of their articular cartilage which provide them with exceptional mobility or stability.
Basically, our joints that are highly involved in physical exercise have a capsular ligament that is attached to both bones of the joint and enclose them completely. The capsule is lined internally by a vascular synovial membrane that secretes synovial fluid into the joint cavity. The synovial fluid provides nourishment to the articular cartilage and serves to lubricate the joint and converts the compressive stress which would otherwise harm the high spots. The end result is the development of hydrostatic stress which is much less damaging to the materials of the joints. Therefore, prudent exercise will result in optimum stimulation which will bring about the corresponding lubrication of the joint, and likewise the prevention of osteoarthritis. Exercises that can improve the density of the bones will prevent osteoporosis.
Exercises that are done incorrectly or inappropriately can result in injuries as well as irritation. The poor use of the joints can cause profuse secretion of synovial fluids which sometimes causes evident swelling. As we pursue our quest for our well-being with the use of exercise, the mechanical and physiological improvements that we experience are important in preventing most of our aches and pains.
Kenneth Gardner is an exercise physiologist at the G.C. Foster College of Physical Education; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
