Osteoporosis is a loss of bone mineral density; having osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures that can occur spontaneously or from a fall. Osteoporosis is more common in women, because they have less dense bones than men, especially after menopause. Osteoporosis can be diagnosed by doing a DXA scan, which is a low level X ray of the hip and spine that compares bone density to a standard level. However, even without having a bone scan done, there are signs that can indicate that a person has osteoporosis.
Loss of Height
Loss of height may be the first indication of osteoporosis. Although many people consider it "normal" to shrink as they age, loss of height actually results from osteoporosis in the spine. Fractures of the vertebrae occur spontaneously; as the Mayo Clinic explains, the vertebrae collapse into each other. These fractures are called vertebral compression fractures. The main treatments for vertebral compression fractures are slowing bone loss through administration of bisphosphonates, which are medications that slow bone loss and promote new bone formation, plus taking calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Kyphosis
Kyphosis, sometimes called a "dowager's hump," can result from osteoporosis. Kyphosis results from vertebral compression fractures; the upper back becomes rounded forward more than 40 to 45 degrees, according to the Mayo Clinic. Kyphosis results in a protruding abdomen, can decrease lung capacity and makes breathing difficult. Braces that help improve posture may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms. Spinal fusion may be considered if other options fail, but the rate of complications is high.
Back Pain
Back pain is caused by compression fractures in the spine and by kyphosis putting pressure on other tissues and organs. Narcotic pain medication may be needed to manage pain if over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications aren't sufficient. The Mayo Clinic describes two surgeries, vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, which help reduce back pain by placing a cement-like material between the vertebrae.
Spontaneous Fracture
Osteoporosis can cause spontaneous fractures, which means they occur during activities of daily living and aren't related with any trauma. Vertebral fractures are often spontaneous fractures; some hip and wrist fractures may also occur spontaneously. The University of Washington cites a statistic that estimates approximately 5 percent of hip fractures occur spontaneously; the hip fractures and the patient falls, rather than the break occurring from a fall.
