What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weaker and more fragile over time, increasing the risk of fractures. Often called a “silent disease,” osteoporosis typically develops without noticeable symptoms, and many people do not realize they have it until they experience a fracture.

Bones naturally lose density as we age. When bone loss becomes significant, bones may become porous and brittle, making them more likely to break from minor falls or everyday activities.

What Causes Osteoporosis?

Bones continually break down and rebuild throughout life. Osteoporosis develops when the body loses bone faster than it can replace it. Bone density generally reaches its peak during early adulthood and gradually declines with age.

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, including:

• Being female, particularly after menopause
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Having a small or thin body frame
• Low calcium or vitamin D intake
• Lack of regular physical activity
• Low estrogen levels in women or low testosterone levels in men
• Long-term use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids or some anticonvulsants
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Smoking

What Are the Symptoms of Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis often causes no symptoms until a bone breaks. As the condition progresses, weakened bones may fracture after a minor fall, sudden movement, or even routine activities.

Signs of osteoporosis-related fractures may include:

• Sudden back pain caused by a spinal fracture
• Loss of height over time
• A stooped or hunched posture
• Pain or difficulty moving following a fracture

Common Fractures Associated With Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures, particularly in the spine, hips, and wrists.

Spinal Fractures: The vertebrae, or small bones of the spine, may weaken and develop compression fractures. These fractures can occur without a significant injury and may cause back pain, loss of height, or changes in posture. Some spinal fractures cause no noticeable symptoms.

Hip Fractures: Hip fractures are especially concerning in older adults and often occur following a fall. These injuries can significantly affect mobility and independence, and patients who have experienced one fracture may be at greater risk for another.

Wrist Fractures: Wrist fractures commonly occur when someone falls and extends a hand to break the fall. Weakened bones make these injuries more likely.

How Is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?

Osteoporosis can be diagnosed through a bone mineral density (BMD) test, most commonly performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This safe, painless, and noninvasive test uses low-dose X-rays to measure bone density and help identify osteoporosis before a fracture occurs.

Bone density testing can help your doctor:

• Identify low bone density and osteoporosis
• Evaluate your risk of future fractures
• Monitor changes in bone density over time
• Assess your response to treatment

During a DXA scan, you lie on a padded table while a scanning device measures bone density, typically in the hip and spine. Your doctor will review the results along with your medical history and other risk factors.

Bone density screening is generally recommended for women age 65 and older, as well as younger postmenopausal women and certain men who have risk factors for osteoporosis.