Let’s talk about a big controversy in osteoporosis care: avoiding spinal flexion and rotation. A study once showed that yoga flexion exercises led to spinal fractures in people with osteoporosis, so now the advice is no flexing, no rotating—ever.
So, if I told you people sprain their ankles walking, should we recommend never walking again? After all, it’d eliminate the risk of spraining an ankle, right? Here’s the truth:
Yes, spinal flexion and rotation increase fracture risks if the bones aren’t strong enough to handle the load. But avoiding these movements altogether is like telling someone to skip the gym because lifting weights is risky. Bones thrive under the right amount of stress. It’s called optimal loading.
Now, let’s be real—how can anyone avoid bending or twisting in daily life? Are we going to tell seniors, “Don’t get out of bed”, “Forget putting on socks”, “Just hire someone to wipe for you”, or “Bending and twisting are the worst things you can do, because you can break a bone at any moment you know”.
Sounds absurd, doesn’t it? And that’s the problem with fear-based advice that I have personally heard and read “osteoporosis experts” tell vulnerable patients. The “experts” are not even open to the idea that their advice may be causing more harm than good.
Here’s the kicker: the fear of movement can be more harmful than movement itself. It discourages physical activity, and inactivity is the real enemy of bone health. Instead, let’s empower people with safe, progressive exercises to strengthen their bones—not scare them into avoiding life.
Stronger bones, less fear. Now that’s advice worth bending over for.