Symptoms and Signs of Osteoporosis

It is possible for osteoporosis to be present without the occurrence of any symptoms for a long time. This is because the symptoms of osteoporosis only show up when a bone has been fractured. Also, it is possible for some osteoporosis fractures to be undetected for years, if they do not cause any symptoms.

The most important symptom of an osteoporosis fracture is pain, which varies depending on the location of the fracture. The symptoms of osteoporosis are similar in both men and women.

Osteoporosis fractures of the spine can cause severe pain that spreads from the spine to the sides of the body. Repeated spine fractures can lead to permanent lower back pain and possible curving of the spine caused by the collapse of the vertebrae, which may lead to a hunched back appearance.

Osteoporosis fractures of the hip are also very common. They can be caused by trivial accidents and may heal poorly even after surgical intervention since the bone itself heals poorly.

Stress fractures or fractures that are caused during the course of normal activity are also common in osteoporosis. For instance, a person with osteoporosis may fracture an ankle while stepping off the stairs.