Fighting Bone Loss with Yoga

Q. I heard an expert talk on your syndicated radio show about treating osteopenia with yoga. I have been doing yoga for nearly three years and also walk more than two miles a day.
I can’t tolerate osteoporosis drugs like alendronate. When I tried it, my muscles ached and my back became very painful. I stopped taking it and increased my calcium supplements since I am allergic to milk. I declined my doctor’s offer of another osteoporosis drug.
I had a bone density scan in May at age 65. It showed a reversal of osteopenia in my back. The hip is no better but has not gotten any worse. My physician was so pleased with these results that she phoned me personally and said, “I don’t know what you are doing but keep it up.” I told her I am doing yoga and walking.
I have three compressed disks in my back and began yoga with modified exercises initially. In addition, I suffered with sciatica off and on for years. Since starting yoga, I have had only one or two flare ups.
A. Your story is inspiring. People who would like to learn more about Dr. Loren Fishman’s approach can listen to the show (#835) at www.peoplespharmacy.com or check his website,www.sciatica.org.