How Osteoporosis Your Bones

Osteoporosis, which literally means "porous bones," is a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones. It occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. This leads to a decrease in bone density and an increased risk of fractures.

Here's how osteoporosis can affect your bones:

1. Bone Loss: Osteoporosis causes a gradual loss of bone mass. The bones become thinner, weaker, and less dense. This process often occurs over many years and may go undetected until a fracture occurs.

2. Microarchitecture Changes: Osteoporosis affects the bone's microarchitecture. The tiny honeycomb-like structure inside the bone becomes weaker, making the bone more susceptible to damage and fracture.

3. Increased Fragility: As bone density decreases and the bone structure weakens, the bones become more fragile. Even minor trauma or falls that would not normally cause a fracture in healthy individuals can lead to broken bones in people with osteoporosis.

4. Vertebral Fractures: One common type of fracture associated with osteoporosis is vertebral fractures, also known as compression fractures. These fractures often occur in the spine and can cause back pain, height loss, and a hunched posture.

5. Hip Fractures: Hip fractures are another severe complication of osteoporosis. A fall onto the side, for instance, can cause the weakened hip bone to break. Hip fractures can lead to significant pain, disability, and even increased risk of mortality.

6. Wrist Fractures: Fractures of the wrist, particularly the distal radius, are also common in individuals with osteoporosis. These fractures can occur from falls on an outstretched hand.

7. Other Fractures: In addition to vertebral, hip, and wrist fractures, osteoporosis can increase the risk of fractures in other bones, including the arm, ankle, and pelvis.

8. Bone Pain: In some cases, osteoporosis can cause bone pain or discomfort, especially in the back, hips, or joints. This pain may be due to fractures or weakened bones.

It's important to note that osteoporosis usually develops over time and may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Regular bone density tests, especially for individuals at risk, are recommended to monitor bone health and detect osteoporosis early, allowing for appropriate interventions and treatment to reduce fracture risk.