Osteoporosis

Key Points

Overview

Osteoporosis is a health condition that makes your bones weak and fragile, increasing their risk of breaking easily. It often develops slowly over many years and is usually diagnosed only after a fall or sudden impact causes a bone fracture. Common breaks occur in the wrist, hip, and spinal bones. However, other bones like the arm or pelvis can also be affected. Sometimes, even a cough or sneeze can cause a rib fracture or partial collapse of a spinal bone. While osteoporosis itself is not usually painful until a bone breaks, fractures in the spine can lead to long-term pain and a stooped posture. Treatment focuses on preventing further breaks and strengthening bones.

Signs and Symptoms

• Bone fracture from minor fall or impact
• Broken wrist
• Broken hip
• Broken spinal bones (vertebrae)
• Stooped (bent forward) posture
• Long-term back pain (from spinal fractures)

Things That Increase the Risk

• Aging
• Rapid bone loss after menopause
• Long-term high-dose steroid use
• Certain medical conditions (e.g., inflammatory, hormone-related)
• Family history of hip fracture
• Eating disorders or low BMI
• Lack of regular exercise
• Heavy drinking and smoking

Diagnosis

• Doctor assesses future fracture risk (e.g., FRAX, Q-Fracture)
• Bone density scan (DEXA scan)
• Comparison of bone density to healthy young adults
• T-score measurement from DEXA scan

Treatment & Management

• Preventing future broken bones
• Bone-strengthening medicines
• Pain management for fractures
• Hot and cold treatments for pain relief
• Relaxation techniques for pain
• Removing home hazards to prevent falls

Prevention

• Regular exercise
• Healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
• Daily vitamin D supplement
• Quitting smoking
• Reducing alcohol intake

Related Diseases

• Osteopenia
• Rickets
• Paget's disease of bone
• Hyperparathyroidism

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Osteoporosis:

Surgical Options

Learn about surgical procedures available for Osteoporosis: