Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis Overview

Osteoporosis is a disease that can affect anyone, though it’s particularly common. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, nearly 10 million Americans have the condition, while another 44 million have low bone density, increasing their risk of developing osteoporosis. Often called the “silent disease,” it typically shows no signs until a bone is broken.

Key Facts

Both men and women can get osteoporosis.

Any bone can be affected, but fractures are most common in the spine, hips, wrists, and pelvis.

Women, especially after menopause, are at greater risk.

Bone loss accelerates in women 5–7 years post-menopause.

Half of women and a quarter of men over 50 will suffer fractures due to osteoporosis.

Symptoms

Osteoporosis often has no early symptoms, but signs may include:

• Stooped posture (kyphosis)
• Spinal deformities
• Height loss
• Back pain from fractured vertebrae
• Fragile bones that break easily—even from minor incidents

Each year, osteoporosis causes about 1.5 million fractures. In severe cases, simple actions like sneezing or standing up can cause bones to break.

Causes and Risk Factors

The primary cause of osteoporosis is aging, as bone regeneration slows. Other contributing factors include:

• Poor lifelong intake of calcium and vitamin D
• Certain medications (e.g., glucocorticoids)
• Lack of exercise
• Eating disorders like anorexia
• Smoking and heavy alcohol use
• Hormonal changes (e.g., low estrogen or testosterone)
• Gastrointestinal surgeries that limit nutrient absorption
• Unchangeable risk factors:
• Gender – women are more vulnerable
• Ethnicity – highest risk among Caucasian and Asian women
• Small body frame
• Genetics – family history of osteoporosis or fractures
• Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Celiac disease

Prevention Tips

Ensure enough calcium and vitamin D at all life stages

Maintain a balanced diet with enough protein

Limit sodium (which can block calcium absorption)

Exercise regularly with weight-bearing and resistance activities

Avoid smoking and limit alcohol

Get bone density checks, especially when taking bone-affecting medications

Maintain a healthy weight

Take precautions to prevent falls

Diagnosis

Osteoporosis is diagnosed with a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test, usually using a DXA scan of the lower spine and hips. It’s a painless, low-radiation procedure that takes about 15 minutes. Results are given as a T-score, with lower scores indicating lower bone density. The test helps detect osteoporosis early and track treatment progress.

Treatment Options

Managing osteoporosis typically includes:

• Diet changes: Increase calcium and vitamin D intake, eat a well-rounded diet
• Exercise: Engage in low-impact strength training (walking, dancing, stair climbing, resistance bands, etc.)
• Medication: For those at high risk, doctors may prescribe bisphosphonates like Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, or Reclast. Hormone therapies may also be used in some cases.

Other injectable treatments include:

• Denosumab (Prolia) – injection every six months
• Teriparatide (Forteo) – daily injection for two years, followed by another bone-building drug

If a person is diagnosed with osteopenia (early bone loss), lifestyle changes can help slow progression, though bone loss cannot be fully reversed. Prevention and early action are key to preserving bone health.