Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease resulting in weakened, brittle, fragile and porous bone due to loss of bone density or decreased bone production. This can occur with age, hormonal changes, or nutritional deficiencies (phosphate, calcium and/or Vitamin D).  Risk factors include postmenopausal women, family history of the disease, low body weight, poor diet, inactive lifestyle, and substance abuse.

Osteoporosis itself is typically asymptomatic until it leads to a broken bone, loss of height, and/or rounded spinal curvature. The weakened bone structure from osteoporosis often causes bones to break with little force, often referred to as fragility fractures.  These fractures can take place in almost any bone in the body, but most commonly occur in the hip, shoulder, wrist, and spine (compression fractures). When osteoporosis is left untreated following a fragility fracture or injury, it often results in additional broken bones from relatively low-impact injuries. These fractures or broken bones can cause long-term disability, chronic pain, and loss of independence. Treatment options for osteoporosis and osteoporosis-associated injuries include physical therapy, low impact exercise, medication, dietary supplements, and lifestyle changes.