Osteoporosis symptoms

Characterized by a decrease in bone density and strength leading to fragile bones the bone disease known as osteoporosis is common within menopausal women but what are the symptoms of osteoporosis? Read on for more information.

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

The main thing to remember about osteoporosis symptoms is that there aren’t many. The bone disorder can be present within a body for years, even decades, without knowledge because until a fracture occurs there are often no signs.

In fact, even after some fractures, osteoporosis and menopause may still escape detection and patients can easily continue to lead the same life as the “silent disease” (as it is sometimes called) continues to evade major symptoms.

Things to look at for:

• Early symptoms – As stated, in many cases there is no indication of gradual bone loss and it is often only after people fracture a bone that they are aware of the disease.

• Muscular aches and bone tenderness – Progression of the disease can result in neck and muscle pain alongside bone tenderness so keep that in mind.

• Fractures – Osteoporosis thins and weakens bones and with this comes increasing risk of minor injuries that can lead to fractures. In some cases people can suffer a fracture from something like a cough, sneeze or bump. This is the most common osteoporosis symptom.

• Spinal deformities – Stooped posture or kyphosis “hunchback” can be a symptom of osteoporosis. For example, a loss of bone mass results in a hunchback because it leads to multiple vertebral compression fractures in the spine.

• Loss of height – Although this can be a common feature of age it can also be associated with multiple vertebral compression fractures. Those with a loss of more than one or two inches should consider a test and this loss of height will alert healthcare professionals to further evaluate the risk of osteoporosis.

• Back pain – A common symptom and complaint of disorders this is a key way of noticing osteoporosis and sufferers have been known to have lower and upper back pain.

• Talk with a doctor – If you are troubled with the thought of osteoporosis or have any of the symptoms above then a professional diagnosis could be necessary. The disease is both preventable and treatable so those who are vigilant will see the best results.

What causes osteoporosis symptoms?

The main cause of osteoporosis is a hormone imbalance, particularly estrogen, and this means that the osteoclasts (the bone cell breaker) cannot be maintained at a controlled level. When this happens the body’s ability to regenerate the bones is reduced and the osteoclasts overrun the osteoblasts )the bone cell producer) and this leads to a loss of more bone mass.

The imbalance leads to bone density and mass diminution and is far more common in women due to menopause but it can happen pre menopause. Menopause does affect your bones. Other factors include a lack of calcium and vitamin D, poor weight control, a lack of exercise and not using effective medicines.

What to do about osteoporosis

If the symptoms of osteoporosis are not dealt with appropriately then it can turn into a difficult problem for women. With this in mind it is important to inform yourself and take appropriate measures to prevent and deal with the disease.

It is easier to prevent osteoporosis than it is to deal with it so the first thing to do is to control your hormone imbalance and calcium levels. Healthy nutrition is important alongside an exercise program although this may not be enough.

The best way is to combine a healthy diet and exercise with an alternative medicine. Click on the links below to learn more about the osteoporosis symptom treatment that is best for you.

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