Peregrination and Bone Density

[VNwalking]

I just got my results of a biennial bone density scan and was totally delighted (and surprised) at the results.
The background is that I take a medication that can cause osteoporosis--and in previous years the numbers had been in alarming freefall (after having higher than average baseline density).
But after 2 years in a row of walking the Camino...voila! Not only has the freefall reversed itself but the numbers are almost back to what they were before I started the medication.
I know very well that with a sample size of 1 I can say anything I please...and my conclusion may be correct or it may be dead wrong. So I wonder--have others have had a similar experience?
If I'm right, maybe I can get a prescription from my doctor for a yearly long walk???

 

[grayland]

An interesting thought. I wonder if there are any statistics or articles on the idea.

(Thread title sorted)

 

[Anemone del Camino]

If I recall, I was once told that small, repeated impact helps rebuild bone. Small repeated impact such as ... Walking . So that would make perfect sense. I had one of those tests after breaking a foot in the silliest of ways. Turns out the test shows density but not bone quality. So apparently my density is good, but they don't know if the material itself is any good .

 

[VNwalking]

Thanks, Greyland
Anemone, food for thought and further investigation...
So it got me looking at the science (thank you, PubMed!)--and what studies seem to show is that walking increases bone density in the hip but not necessarily the spine or elsewhere--and not always much. But that was only walking not what we do, with packs on our backs. I'll believe my own experience, for what it's worth....

For anyone who's interested, here's an article in plain English that sums up the statistical gobbledygook pretty well:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/12/building-up-bones-with-a-little-bashing/
Anyone out there want to do a study of peregrinos?
[Edit...there's a fascinating world of studies of people who walk the Appalachian and Pacific Crest trails, and the medical effects of long-distance hiking. Proving that it's pack weight, not footwear, that is correlated with injury. We knew that. But nothing about bone density....]

 

[nidarosa]

A few years ago I was on a particular medical treatment which I could only use for a short period because it could cause thinning of the bones. My doc and nurse suggested I walk as much as possible to counteract it. Due to other problems I had to stop taking it but I remember the advice. I have not had any bone density scans since though but I liked the idea of walking to strengthen the bones as well as muscles - the nurse called walking 'the best insurance policy for old age'.

 

[VNwalking]

the nurse called walking 'the best insurance policy for old age'.

Hence the not uncommon sight on the Camino of healthy elders.
We knew that.
But it's always nice to be affirmed.

 

[mspath]

Yea team! Such news is another great reason to keep on walking until eternity. Carpe diem!
MM

 

[VNwalking]

Such news is another great reason to keep on walking until eternity.

Well said. Thanks for the smile Margaret!

 

[NavyBlue]

Hello,

From my own history of stress fracture, I would recommend (re-)building your bone density before walking the Camino.
For instance, walking 30 or 45 mn daily during several months. Further reinforcement on the Camino will then run smooth...

 

[Victoria_Peregrina]

In "Antifragile" Nassim Nicholas Taleb offers an interesting hypothesis that it's not aging that causes brittle bones but brittle bones that accelerate aging. If the hypothesis is correct, Camino makes us antifragile in many ways.

Victoria

 

[VNwalking]

If the hypothesis is correct, Camino makes us antifragile in many ways.

Well, yes...if the members of this forum are any indication, that's probably so.
There certainly are some strong elders amongst us, and plenty of us are edging up there. Hopefully we'll join them...eventually...

 

[Stivandrer]

Congrats with the good results.
Incidentally you might treat your body with vitamin D3 and Calcium, but the right kind of calcium in the form of Tricalciumcitrat and Calciumhydroxid. If you choose a product that furthermore contains K2 you will up your chance of additional calcium to your bonestructure.
But I cannot blame you for just rejoicing in the results you have already obtained !!

 

[VNwalking]

Thank you Stivandrer. I do take Calcuim Citrate/Magnesioun/Vitamin D.
And my GP has just informed me that it must be taken twice daily...not once, as I (and many others) do.
Anyway...another reason to keep walking!

 

[Stivandrer]

Thank you Stivandrer. I do take Calcuim Citrate/Magnesioun/Vitamin D.
And my GP has just informed me that it must be taken twice daily...not once, as I (and many others) do.
Anyway...another reason to keep walking!

Good; you take the Solaray!
Nice to hear that you are on the mend and yes walking give us the small bumps from the road taht benefit the growth of bone material...
Had the same remedie after my cancer with the prospects of long medication that could ruin my bones.
But as we are doing fine, let us keep on trotting...
See ya down the road apiece !!

 

[VNwalking]

Had the same remedie after my cancer with the prospects of long medication that could ruin my bones.
But as we are doing fine, let us keep on trotting...

I'm very glad you're OK...and hope it is so for a long time!
I have the same situation, but all is well...and the trotting obviously helps keep the side-effects at bay!

 

[Anna Powell]

I'm hoping the camino strengthened my bones. had a hip problem that I thought would cause trouble when walking (was due to be operated on). Had pain in many places but the hip was fine! What I did find was that I had heart issues (kept missing a beat.). On returning home I consulted a therapist who suggested taking magnesium. I did, and this not only sorted the heart issue, but sorted the problem I'd been having on the camino with a weak pelvic floor....(the times I nearly didn't make it to the loo in time!) I reckon that I had these issues because I became deficient in magnesium and that this deficiency was caused by the intensity of the walking. I was making new muscles, and new bone perhaps too, and needed extra vitamins and minerals to do this. I also think that there's a detox effet with the amount you sweat which in my case lead me to feel quite clean and healthy after my walk but made me crave salt, and sugar during the walk.

 

[VNwalking]

Anna, thanks for the heads-up about the importance of magnesiom.
I'm guessing that all minerals are needed in extra supply when we walk and sweat as we do on the Camino...it certainly feels that way physically. As you say...salt cravings. On the Camino I give myself complete permission to eat anything I want...which usually means salty and oily. Pimentos de Padron, lots of Cafe con Leche and eggs almost every day...and even with all that my cholesterol went down too.
The walking, the walking. It is a miracle cure!
(Edited for spelling..)

 

[Anna Powell]

been sitting round a fire tonight talking about our camino experience and I've learned that it was customary for the Huitchol indians to go on a pilgrimage each year. Now there's a custom we could all benefit from! The NHS could save millions if we all walked again.

 

[VNwalking]

The NHS could save millions if we all walked again.

You're on, Anna! Any other recidivists out there???
Buen Camino and hope to see you along the way!