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Osteoporosis
Bones become weak and more likely to break. Tracking your symptoms and connecting with others who understand can help you manage day to day.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific condition and treatment.
When to seek help
Seek care after any fall with pain, or for sudden severe back pain that could be a spinal fracture.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.
Overview
Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It often has no symptoms until a bone breaks.
Symptoms
- Often no symptoms until a fracture
- Back pain from a collapsed vertebra
- Loss of height over time
- A stooped posture
Causes
Bone is lost faster than it is replaced, often after menopause in women and with aging. Risk factors include low calcium/vitamin D, inactivity, smoking, and certain medicines.
Types
- Primary osteoporosis (age- and menopause-related)
- Secondary osteoporosis (caused by medicines or another condition)
Diagnosis
Diagnosed with a bone-density test (DXA scan) that gives a T-score. A T-score of -2.5 or lower means osteoporosis.
Treatment
Treatment includes calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, and medicines (such as bisphosphonates) that slow bone loss. Fall prevention is key.
Living with it
- Get enough calcium and vitamin D
- Do weight-bearing and resistance exercise
- Do not smoke and limit alcohol
- Prevent falls - remove trip hazards, check vision, and review medicines
- Take bone medicines as prescribed
Complications
- Hip, spine, and wrist fractures
- Chronic pain and loss of height
- Loss of independence after a hip fracture
Frequently asked questions
Can osteoporosis be reversed?
Bone loss can be slowed and fracture risk reduced with treatment, but lost bone is hard to fully rebuild. Prevention and early treatment matter most.
Join the Osteoporosis community
Talk with people who understand, share what helps, and find support from others living with osteoporosis. Private, moderated, and free.
Posts in this community reflect personal experiences, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before changing your treatment.