Signs and Symptoms of Osteoporosis

As people age, their bodies become less efficient at regenerating bone. Over time, bones can become weak and porous — the word “osteoporosis" literally translates to “porous bone.” Osteoporosis occurs gradually, and many patients will not notice symptoms until they’ve lost significant bone mass.

Eventually, bones become brittle enough to break with minimal stress. A person with osteoporosis might fracture a bone after a minor fall or even when performing typical daily activities. Because their bodies cannot regrow bone easily, recovering from these fractures can be a difficult and painful process.

Some of the symptoms associated with moderate to severe osteoporosis include:

• Curvature of the spine
• Changes in posture
• A significant loss of height
• Pain in the back, hips, or wrists
• Unexplained fractures

People who notice any new health symptoms should discuss those changes with their doctors. Because bone density is affected by hormones, women who have gone through menopause should get regular checkups with bone density tests, which can identify osteoporosis before it causes serious injuries.

Risk Factors and Ways to Prevent Osteoporosis

About 30 percent of older people develop osteopenia, which means that they have low bone density that hasn’t progressed into osteoporosis. While neither condition is completely curable, treatment can help to slow bone loss and prevent fractures. Anyone can develop osteoporosis, but the condition is more common among certain groups.

Risk factors for both osteopenia and osteoporosis include:

• A low body weight
• Going through early menopause (before age 45) or surgical removal of ovaries
• Smoking or drinking regularly
• Poor overall health
• Lifelong low calcium intake
• Having a European, American, or Asian ethnic background
• A history of bone fractures as an adult

To prevent osteoporosis, people can limit caffeine and alcohol intake, each calcium-rich foods, and exercise regularly. Strength training exercises are especially helpful, though older adults should check with their doctors before trying these activities. Some people also take health supplements to get vitamin D and calcium; while these supplements may be helpful, physicians usually recommend a balanced diet over supplements.

Treatment Options for Osteoporosis

Doctors diagnose osteopenia and osteoporosis by performing a bone density test. A machine uses X-rays to determine the amount of certain minerals in the bones (usually in the spine and hip). The test is painless, and because the machine uses low levels of X-rays, screenings are considered safe.

Treatment options will vary depending on the patient’s age, overall health, and the results of the screening. If the patient has low bone density, but is not at risk of developing fractures, their doctor may recommend lifestyle changes. This might mean a special diet, health supplements (such as calcium or vitamin D), and strength-building exercises.

If a patient has a high risk of developing fractures, physicians may recommend treatments including:

• Hormone Therapy- Estrogen helps to maintain bone density, which is one of the reasons that postmenopausal women have a higher risk of bone density problems. Younger female patients may receive estrogen treatments to allow for healthy bone growth.
• Monoclonal Antibodies- These are relatively new medications that block a protein called sclerostin. Delivered by injection, monoclonal antibodies may reduce the risk of fractures and promote bone formation.
• Biophosphonates- These medications prevent cells called osteoclasts from eroding bones, which allows other cells to build bone more effectively.

Some patients may also take powerful bone-building medications. These drugs include romosozumab, abaloparatide, and teriparatide; all three drugs mimic hormones and are typically delivered via injection. They’re often reserved for severe cases of osteoporosis that do not respond to other treatments.

Researching Osteoporosis Online

Osteoporosis is a painful, incurable condition, but it can be treated. Many patients are able to strengthen their bones with proper nutrition, medication, and therapy, limiting their severe symptoms. Online resources can help people learn more about osteoporosis and have informed conversations with their doctors.

When researching osteoporosis, patients should review as many resources as possible. It’s also important not to take supplements or start new therapies without discussing those decisions with a physician, particularly if a patient is taking medications. With careful research and help from qualified medical professionals, people can learn how to recognize, treat, and prevent the most severe symptoms of this debilitating condition.