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What Is the Meaning of Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis literally means "porous bones." Porous is a term used to describe something that may be fragile, have less density and have holes in it. Osteoporosis bones are brittle, fragile and prone to breakage.

  1. Structure of Bone

    • Our bones have a honeycombed and porous texture even when healthy. According to the Osteoporosis Foundation, "if you have osteoporosis, the holes and spaces in the honeycomb are much bigger than they are in healthy bone."

    Re-Generating Bone

    • Throughout our entire life, we are regenerating the materials that our bones are made of. By the age of 20, we have achieved our peak bone mass and strength. After that age the process of making new bone slows down. If you have the disease osteoporosis, it slows down so much that it can be life-threatening.

    Risk Factors

    • Usually at risk for osteoporosis are small females older than 65 who have a mother or grandmother with the disease.

    Anyone Can Get Osteoporosis

    • It is more common for older women to get diagnosed with osteoporosis; however, men and women of any age can be at risk of their bones weakening. Getting enough calcium, vitamin D and exercise can stop or delay the disease.

    Affects All Bones

    • According to WomensHealth.gov, "Osteoporosis affects all bones in the body. However, breaks are most common in the hip, wrist and spine."

    Slumped Spine

    • With osteoporosis bones start to lose their shape as they crunch down on themselves. This is particularly evident in the upper spine as the back starts to curve and slump at the shoulders.

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