Bone Up On Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become thinner and weaker with age. If the bones become brittle enough, symptoms may include:
- Fractures in the vertebrae, wrists, or hips, due to brittle bones.
- Back pain from a fractured or collapsed vertebra. You don’t have to fall to have an osteoporotic fracture; osteoporosis pain can occur from compression fractures when vertebrae collapse.
- Shrinking—loss of height and a stooped posture due to damaged vertebrae.
Osteoporosis occurs when the body loses the ability to renew bone tissue. Bone density is at its peak when adults are in their 30s, but you can maintain bone density into old age by exercising regularly (weight bearing exercise is best) and getting enough calcium and vitamin D. If you have risk factors or symptoms of osteoporosis, a clinician can evaluate your diet and recommend an exercise plan to maintain bone health.
Factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis include:
- Being female, especially white or Asian
- Having a family history of osteoporosis
- Having a medical history that includes eating disorders, alcohol abuse, or smoking
- Taking blood thinning or corticosteroid medications
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