Of all the ways in which osteoporosis affects quality of life, the social consequences may be the least recognized and yet the most demoralizing of them all. Managing social limitations is much easier with supportive family members and friends. People with large social networks seem to manage their osteoporosis more effectively than those with smaller networks. Perhaps more important than the actual amount of help received is the individual’s perception of that help.
All of us have the need to be on both sides of a helping relationship, not only in receiving help but also in helping others. We attempt to maintain fairness in all our relationships, that is, we want to give and receive in approximately equal measure. Throughout life, there are times when we help others, and then there are times when we must rely on others for help. It is important to keep relationships balanced by not having one person giving or receiving significantly more than the other.
Osteoporosis can prevent traditional social exchanges of support. Many people with pain and fractures simply cannot return support to others in tangible ways. Although most people with osteoporosis want to return the favors that they receive, they may be prevented by pain and activity limitations. Instead, they need to identify other ways to reciprocate. Further, their friends and family need to recognize the importance of letting their loved ones with osteoporosis contribute to their relationships in practical ways.
Osteoporosis can affect people’s closest relationships as well as more distant ones. Tension can build between spouses as both try to cope with disease-imposed limitations, and intimate relations are often strictly limited or stopped altogether in fear of causing fractures. A wife may feel that she puts herself at risk of breaking a bone during any sexual encounter, and a husband may not want to take the chance that he could be the cause. In time, couples may find themselves drifting apart. This topic is rarely covered in any written information on osteoporosis, and physicians may be uncomfortable making recommendations in this area.
Although these topics can be difficult to discuss, couples can look for ways to achieve intimacy without increasing fracture risk. Most physical therapists have been trained to help with this issue and can offer advice. Many hospitals offer “back schools,” taught by physical therapists that will address this concern.
This information was excerpted from “Osteoporosis and Quality of Life,” by Deborah T. Gold, Ph.D., an article published by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF).
Posted by the Education Staff at NOF