While most of us experience joint pain at some time or another in the lower back, knees or shoulders for example, actual bone pain, where it’s deep and penetrating, is less common. Often, bone pain of this kind is symptomatic of a more serious disorder. So what kind of treatments are available for bone disorders?

There is quite a wide range of bone disorders, many of them common and most of them affecting people who are middle-aged or older. This is because as the body ages, bone density decreases, which means you’re more likely to suffer an injury through pushing your body too far. Lower back pain is one of the most common pain complaints, but figuring out whether it is a bone disorder or something else is critical for planning how to manage the pain.

However, pain in your bones could also be indicative of another medical condition, such as an infection or an interruption in your body’s blood supply. Another typical cause is a hormone deficiency, such as that experienced during the menopause.

So, how do you go about treating bone problems? Well, the answer is not to simply keep popping over-the-counter pills in an attempt to mask the pain for a short while. Not only will this be an expensive way of dealing with your bone pain, it will not address the cause. For example, if your pain is caused by a fracture or break, then obviously this will require immediate medical attention whereby the bone is set so healing can take place.

If your bone pain is caused by a hormone deficiency, then it is likely your doctor will prescribe medication to replace and thereby rebalance your hormones. Some women who are undergoing the menopause, however, find that the hormone replacement therapy causes side effects that are worse than the pain, so you may want to explore alternative options and adopt various lifestyle changes.

If you suffer from regular lower back pain, various forms of exercise can help easing it; walking, swimming, cycling, and stretching – yoga, for example – as well as light strength training can all be beneficial if done correctly and in moderation.

However, it may be the case that your lower back pain is the result of a spinal misalignment, in which case you should see a chiropractor, who will be able to correct this through skillful manipulation, curing you of your pain altogether. You may require several sessions for realignment, but it will be more beneficial and cheaper in the long run than other kinds of treatment.

Osteoporosis is a more serious bone disorder, which can weaken bones, making them fragile and more prone to breaking. Your treatment options will usually combine some form of anti-inflammatory prescription medication with recommendations from your doctor that you make certain lifestyle changes as previously mentioned in relation to other conditions.

Staying active is key to managing bone pain. Exercise will help to reduce inflammation, increase flexibility and strengthen your muscles, while keeping your weight under control will reduce stress on your joints, and both ultimately, will keep your mind balanced, lower your stress levels and improve your outlook on life.