7 orthopedic myths clarified by an orthopedic surgeon
Bones and joints, the sturdiest parts of the human body, are crucial for overall physical health. They are like the body's central axis, enabling movement and functionality. Maintaining strong bone and joint health is, therefore, vital. Numerous myths and beliefs about bone care circulate widely, especially on social media. While some beliefs may seem plausible, many are dubious. Today, our orthopedic surgeons will address questions and clarify misconceptions. Let's explore which beliefs are true and which are not.
1. Bone fixation metal plates raise the risk of lightning strikes or electrocution.
It is false. Bone fixation plates consist of stainless steel, titanium, cobalt chrome, or ceramic, which are not good conductors of electricity. Therefore, the risk of being electrocuted is not high. On the other hand, lightning rods are made of conductive metals, such as copper or aluminum, attracting lightning and passing electricity to the ground.
2. Is it true that as we age, shrinking bones make us shorter?
It is true. As we age, our organs and bones with spongy parts, such as vertebrae and spinal discs, degenerate or deteriorate gradually. The combined vertebral column and the pelvic bone account for 25 percent of the total body height. As we approach our advanced years, the spinal discs, the non-osseous component of our vertebral column, desiccate and shrink in height. This results in a shorter vertebral column and total body height. In addition, accidents in the elderly years or osteoporosis may cause the vertebral column to collapse, leading to additional height loss.
3. Does lotus posturing accelerate knee osteoarthritis?
It is true. However, lotus posturing is not the primary cause of knee osteoarthritis. On the surface of knee joints is cartilage acting like a shock absorber. It facilitates smooth, friction-free motion of the joints. In knee osteoarthritis, the cartilage wears away or degenerates. Stress on the surface of the knee joints increases, especially when the knee is bent.
Standing or walking, for instance, puts a load equal to half of the body weight on the surface of the knee joint, while exercises with bent knees, such as squats, will impart a load of 5-7 times the body weight on the surface of the knee joint.
Therefore, various sitting positions such as cross-legged, kneeling, and meditation pose, especially when practicing on the floor, can significantly affect the knees. When we rise to stand, weight is exerted against the joint surface, increasing the risk of knee osteoarthritis. Thus, sitting posture on the floor is another factor that contributes to the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.
4. Is it true that chiropractic manipulation permanently cures backaches?
It is false. Chiropractic manipulations for myofascial pain syndrome may have become a viral trend online in the past few years; people may believe the louder the popping sound, the better the pain relief. However, backaches can be caused by myriad conditions, from skin conditions such as shingles, inflammation of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, bones, and spinal discs, and conditions of internal organs like the pancreas and liver. Therefore, chiropractic adjustment cannot permanently treat every type of backache. The technique only applies external force to relieve a stiff joint or tensed muscle pain, which patients cannot reduce by themselves. Chiropractic massage helps loosen muscle tensions, loosening fascia, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joint capsules. Chiropractic adjustment increases muscle flexibility for a certain period, relieving backache temporarily but not permanently, as it does not treat the root causes of the pain.
5. Do black cremated bones signify a sinful deceased person?
It is false. Scientifically, the color of cremated bones is not associated with karma. Usually, cremated bones are white or grey, like the ashes we commonly see. Nevertheless, if there are metal elements in the bones of the deceased, whether from food, medicines, and dentures or from metal coins that relatives of the deceased put in the coffin, the color of the bone can vary due to chemical reactions from combustion. For example, cremated bones may turn pink from copper, green from iron, or yellow from zinc. As for a black cremated bone, it is due to incomplete combustion.
6. Is it true that carbonated drinks cause osteoporosis?
It is false. Although carbonated drinks are acidic, and many people believe they damage their bones and dissolve calcium, our bodies have an acid-base buffering mechanism that prevents the effect of carbonated beverages from altering blood acidity and dissolving bone. In addition, scientific experiments were conducted in Europe and China to compare the bone density of individuals who drink and don't drink carbonated drinks. The experiments, conducted over ten years with over a hundred thousand participants, showed that the bone density of people who consumed carbonated beverages regularly was not significantly different from those who didn't, which proves carbonated drinks do not cause bone thinning. Factors that weaken the bones include aging, hormonal changes, and diets high in sodium, leading to urinary calcium excretion or foods high in phosphorus or phosphate that prevent calcium absorption.
7. Is it true that dew walking in the morning can promote bone health?
The answer is no. Walking on dew or touching dew with your feet does not benefit bone strength. However, it may be an old belief for people to wake up early and get morning sunlight. Exposure to morning sunlight stimulates skin conversion of cholesterol into vitamin D, which helps strengthen bones. Walking in the morning is also a form of exercise. Every organ in the body needs stimulation and activity; the body will eliminate inactive tissues. Our bones are the same. Walking in the morning transmits pressure through the bones, stimulating them to strengthen and preventing deterioration.
Don't forget to look after your bones. Consistently nourish them with calcium-rich foods and exercise regularly, whether walking, jogging, or lightweight lifting, to keep this essential body component strong for a long time.
If you have any doubts or abnormalities related to bones and joints, consult a specialist at the Orthopedic Center of MedPark Hospital for diagnosis, treatment, and proper advice on bone health care.
