Learn the symptoms usually associated with osteoporosis as the disease progresses to the later stages.
Osteoporosis is a progressive disease that causes the bones to deteriorate and eventually lead to fractures.
Definition: The word osteoporosis defines itself. “Osteo” means bone, and “porosis” means the porous bone structure that results from the gradual loss of bone density. Osteoporosis causes the bones to gradually loose bone mass resulting in porous, brittle bones. These bones become susceptible to fractures and continue to decrease in total mass.
Osteoporosis is often called the "silent disease" because bone loss often occurs without any symptoms. Unfortunately, thinning of the bones do not cause any symptoms; most people do not know they are suffering from osteoporosis, until they fracture a bone due to a minor bump or injury.
Early Symptoms: In many cases there is no indication of gradual bone loss. Many people have no early symptoms until they fracture a bone.
Muscular Aches and Bone Tenderness: As the disease progresses to the later stages of osteoporosis symptoms may include:
- Neck pain
- Muscle pain
- Bone tenderness
Fractures: The most common symptom of osteoporosis is a broken “fracture” bone. Osteoporosis thins and weakens the bones, increasing the risk that a minor injury will result in a bone fracture. Individuals with osteoporosis can suffer from a fracture from something as simple as a cough, sneeze or bumping into a chair.
Spinal Deformities: Spinal deformities such as a stooped posture or kyphosis “hunchback” can be a symptom of osteoporosis. A hunchback is the result of multiple vertebral compression fractures in the spine due to loss of bone mass.
Loss of Height: Loss of height can also be associated with multiple vertebral compression fractures. Individuals suffering from multiple vertebra compression fractures that result in a kyphotic posture will often suffer a loss of height. Individuals with a loss of more than one or two inches of height are usually the result of compression fractures. Loss of height usually will alert healthcare professionals to further evaluate the risk of osteoporosis.
Back Pain: Back pain is a common complaint and symptom of many disorders. It is also one of the symptoms of osteoporosis. Individuals with osteoporosis have been known to have back pain in the lower and upper regions of the back.
Talk with a Doctor: Talk with a doctor to learn about osteoporosis prevention, treatment, exercise, diagnosing and other specific questions. It is important to know that osteoporosis is a preventable and treatable condition. Talking to a physician about current osteoporosis medication, research and news is crucial for individuals suffering from osteoporosis.
