OSTEOPOROSIS - LEARN ABOUT CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND HOW ARE OSTEOPOROSIS TREATED

What is Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis - is a condition where the bones become thin and weak, and break easily. It frequently goes undiagnosed until a fracture occurs, as there are no warning signs. The spine, wrist and hips are particularly vulnerable to fracture.

Osteoporosis Symptoms

There are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Symptoms occurring late in the disease include:

• Bone pain or tenderness
• Fractures with little or no trauma
• Loss of height (as much as 6 inches) over time
• Low back pain due to fractures of the spinal bones
• Neck pain due to fractures of the spinal bones
• Stooped posture or kyphosis, also called a "dowager's hump"

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of osteoporosis or if you wish to be screened for the condition.

Osteoporosis Causes

The bones are a living tissue, just like the rest of the body. They consist of cells which both build and break down bone, within a surrounding substance known as the extracellular matrix which is composed of proteins and mineralised components (it's rather like a scaffolding made of millions of tiny struts).

» Learn more: Osteoporosis

Reviewed by Dr Alan Ogilvie, gastroenterologist and Dr Roger Henderson, GP

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