Osteoradionecrosis
Despite the amount of tissue damage I sustained, this problem has not happened to me, but readers may want to be aware of it. My friend suffer from this condition and consequently suffer pain, debility and an impaired quality of life. In fact she has set up a website with her husband www.radiotherapydamaged.me.uk, to help increase awareness and bring the problem out open. Unfortunately, the medical profession does not seem to have taken much interest in this subject.
Osteoradionecrosis is a bone damage caused as a complication of radiation therapy. Again, this can happen because radiation affects normal cells and blood vessels, as well as tumour cells. Damage to small arteries reduces circulation to an area, depriving it of oxygen and other nutrients essential to normal functioning regeneration. Osteoradionecrosis doesn't always happen over night. Astress fructure is one of incomplete fructure caused by radiotherapy. It is described as a hairline fructure or a crack in the pelvic bone. Another friend of mine with this problem takes morphin regularly.
What can help to make things better?
Occupational therapy
This is a form of personal care that helps people function better in daily life. Occupational therapists work in hospitals and other medical environments and visit people in their homes. They look at people's need and decide what could be done or provided to help them cope with their disabilities.
Orthomolecular medicine
This is a form of 'healing', which work by balancing the body through the use of natural substance such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, fibres, and other nutritional compounds. It was pioneered by Dr. Linus Pauling.(6)
Oxygen therapy
According to the American Cancer Society (7), hyperbaric oxygen has been shown to be effective for the prevention and treatment of
osteoradionecrosis, combating the effects of radiation on the small arteries, by increasing the level of oxygen availabe for cell respiration.
Osteopathy
The practice of osteopathy deals with the musculoskeletal system (nerves, muscle and bones), believing that the body's structure and functions are inseparable.
The best alternative treatment for . . . Osteoporosis
Bone-building alternatives
* Vitamin K. This vitamin is now recognised to be an essential factor in bone metabolism. Vitamin K deficiency causes bone-density loss and bone fractures. After three years, patients taking both vitamins D and K had less bone loss than those taking a placebo or vitamin D alone (Calcif Tissue Int, 2003; 73: 21-6). Individuals taking antibiotics and those with compromised liver function may suffer from a vitamin K deficiency. Leafy green vegetables and vegetable oils like soybean and canola oils are loaded with vitamin K1 (phylloquinone). Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) - the more potent form - is found in meat, cheese and fermented products like natto, made from soybeans. In a Japanese study, vitamin K2 improved bone mineral density and reduced spinal fractures in osteoporosis sufferers as effectively as etidronate (a bisphosphonate) (J Orthop Sci, 2001; 6: 487-92). The Nurses’ Heart Study showed that women with low vitamin-K intakes had a higher risk of hip fracture (Am J Clin Nutr, 1999; 69: 74-9) and, in the Framingham Heart Study, men and women in the highest quartile of vitamin K intake were significantly less likely to suffer hip fracture than those in the lowest quartile of intake (Am J Clin Nutr, 2000; 71: 1201-8). As few, if any, adverse effects are seen with high-dose vitamin K, those with osteoporosis may take up to 1000 mcg/day of K1 or K2 (Am J Health Syst Pharm, 2005; 62: 1574-81). It can also work in synergy with bisphosphonate drugs (Altern Med Rev, 2005; 10: 24-35) but, because of its blood-coagulating properties, vitamin K should not be taken with warfarin. * Vitamin D. This fat-soluble vitamin is essential for a healthy skeleton and calcium absorption. It is available from certain foods (fish oil, fortified milk, eggs and liver), but the best source is sunlight. About 15 minutes of sunlight on your skin every day should produce all the vitamin D you need. While the US recommended dietary allowance for vitamin D in adults is 5 mcg (200 IU)/day, with no sun exposure, this may be increased to at least 15 mcg (600 IU)/day (Am J Clin Nutr, 1994; 60: 619-30). People who are older, who have limited sun exposure or heavily pigmented skin need extra vitamin D to prevent deficiency, as do osteoporosis sufferers. A higher dose of vitamin D than the currently recommended 600 IU/day - for example, 800-1000 IU/day - may be required for optimal bone health in people 65 and over. In fact, seniors taking 800 IU/day showed a 30 per cent decrease in non-spinal fractures (Ann Med, 2005; 37: 278-85). Studies also show that vitamin D supplementation reduces the number of falls that have the potential to cause broken bones (Am J Clin Nutr, 2005; 81: 1232S-9S). * Strontium. This trace mineral is a component of human bone. Only 1-3 mg/day is needed to prevent osteoporosis. It is found in wholegrains, parsley, fish, Brazil nuts, lettuce and molasses. Even if you already have osteoporosis, consider adding strontium to your arsenal of supplements. When postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and a history of vertebral fracture were given 2 g/day of oral strontium ranelate for three years, their bone mineral density was increased, and their risk of fractures reduced by more than 40 per cent (N Engl J Med, 2004; 350: 459-68). However, little is known of the long-term effects of high-dose strontium supplementation (which caused bone defects in animals) (Townsend Lett Docs, 2005; 261: 67).
