Osteoporosis affects 10 million Americans, with another 44 million having low bone density. Women over 50 have a 50% chance of an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. Hip fractures are the most serious — 1 in 4 older adults dies within a year.
When to See a Doctor
🩺 Routine checkupGet a bone density DEXA scan if you're: a woman over 65, a man over 70, or younger with risk factors (smoking, steroids, family history, low weight). Seek immediate care for any fracture from a minor injury or fall.
Early Warning Signs
1 symptomNo symptoms in early stages
Osteoporosis is called the "silent disease" because bone loss happens without symptoms. Most people don't know they have it until a fracture occurs.
Advanced Symptoms
5 symptomsBone fracture from minor injury
Fractures from falls, bumps, or even sneezing/coughing suggest severely weakened bones. Hip, wrist, and spine fractures are most common.
Loss of height over time
Compression fractures in the spine can cause vertebrae to collapse, leading to measurable height loss of 1-2 inches over years.
Curved upper back (kyphosis)
Multiple spinal compression fractures cause a hunched or "dowager's hump" appearance — a visible sign of advanced osteoporosis.
Chronic back or neck pain
Pain from compression fractures can be acute and severe, or present as chronic low-level back or neck discomfort.
Receding gums
The jawbone can lose density with osteoporosis, causing gum recession and loose teeth.
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