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Objective & Subjective Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones. With aging, the bones become brittle and porous. This is caused by lower mineral content of the bones. Calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus levels are usually low in victims of osteoporosis.

  1. Dowager's Hump

    • People with advanced osteoporosis stoop or have a hump in the back.

    Considerations

    • Fractures of the vertebrae, hip or other bones can lead to a diagnosis of osteoporosis.

    Effects

    • Victims of osteoporosis become shorter, losing height over time.

    Bone Density Testing

    • Doctors can detect osteoporosis through bone density testing. The test, which is quick and painless like an x-ray, is performed on the spine, hips or wrists. Bone density can also be tested using ultrasounds or CT scans.

    Misconceptions

    • There are no subjective symptoms of osteoporosis in the early stages of the disease.

    Subjective Symptoms

    • Someone with advanced osteoporosis will suffer from pain in the back, hips, wrists, or legs. Often, osteoporosis leads to pain after a minor injury, such as back pain after lifting.

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