Tension doesn't tickle your funny bones . . .

. . . it eats them up instead

A 34-year-old dentist was suffering from an excruciating backache for months before she realised that chronic stress levels were eating up her bones.

When a person is depressed and anxious for a long time, it causes chronic stress. The adrenal glands release a hormone called cortisol, which weakens the bones, say experts. The normal levels of cortisol hormone in the blood range between 6 and 24 micrograms. However, the dentist's cortisol levels had shot up to four times above the normal level. Her spinal cord was getting worn out due to high cortisol levels and vitamin deficiency, said Dr Sankalp Mutha, orthopaedic surgeon, Fortis Hospital in Mulund.

Studies have shown that chronic stress leads to high levels of cortisol in the body which leads to osteoporosis or fragile bones. The body's metabolism goes for a toss. High levels of cortisol have a negative effect on formation of new bone cells by inhibiting the functioning of osteoblasts, said Dr Pradeep Bhosale, head, orthopaedics at BMC-run KEM Hospital.

Osteoblasts help deposit new bone tissue in the outer layer of the bone known as periosteum. While no new bone is formed in patients whose cortisol levels are high, the old bone wears out regularly, leading to thinner and weaker bones, he added.

Doctors say blindly taking calcium supplements often gives no relief. Even if supplements are taken, they are not effectively absorbed due to faulty metabolism because of high cortisol levels, said Bhosale.

Also, stress causes acidity. It does not let food digest easily. Acidity hampers proper absorption of minerals. Calcium supplements or nutritious food cannot make up for bone loss, said Mutha.

Often patients don't realise that they have weak bones till they fracture one. Dietary modification to boost levels of Vitamin B3 and B12 includes eating more dairy products and lean meats to maintain good bone health, said Dr Mutha.