Stress, sedentary lifestyles, hormonal imbalances are weakening your bones, here's how

Bone burnout is the latest buzzword gaining traction in the medical world. A serious publish health issue, bone burnout means a slow deterioration and depletion of the skeleton through gradual demineralisation and loss of integrity, affected by a mix of lifestyle, age and environmental factors. The condition is especially dangerous because symptoms can take years to show up after the damage begins — unlike traumatic injuries which are typically more sudden.

Bone burnout isn't just confined to the older ones as younger adults, athletes, and even teenagers are now starting to show early signs because of stress in lifestyle, lack of nutrition, and hormonal discrepancies. If left untreated, this condition progresses to osteoporosis with repeated fractures and pain.

Says Dr Kavita Rao, Orthopaedic Specialist, RGML Hospital, Secunderabad, “Bone burnout is the chronic fatigue of your skeleton. It is caused by undernourishment, overuse and neglect.”

Also read | 8 health tips to keep bones strong, reduce osteoporosis risk

Causes of bone burnout

• Sedentary lifestyles

Little weight-bearing activity results in loss of bone density. Bones require the mechanical stress that comes from walking, running, or strength training to remain strong. Not getting these stimuli due to prolonged sitting cause long-term damage.

• Nutrient deficiencies

Low levels of calcium, vitamin D, magnesium and protein damage the structure of the bone. Diets low in fresh foods, dairy, or fortified substitutes are the biggest culprits.

• Hormonal imbalances

When there is low estrogen in women (the years about the beginning of menopause, or through extreme eating), it accelerates the loss of bone density. Low testosterone in men has a corresponding impact. Bone rebuilding is impacted by high cortisol levels because of chronic stress, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroid), and even an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroid).

• Overtraining and stress fractures

Repetitive high-impact actions, coupled with inadequate recuperation, can lead to a phenomenon frequently referred to as bone burnout in athletes and fitness enthusiasts, where micro-damage occurs faster than the body can repair.

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• Chronic inflammation

Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and gut disorders or more commonly low-grade chronic inflammation throughout the body from a poor diet can speed up bone loss and slow replacement.

• Excessive alcohol and smoking

They not only inhibit the activity of bone-forming cells and calcium absorption but also injure the blood vessels providing nutrition to bone tissues.

• Ageing effects

As lifespans grow longer, bone burnout becomes more apparent in public health data due to more people living long enough to lose a significant amount of bone mass.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.