Signs and Symptoms of Osteoporosis

What are the typical signs and symptoms of osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is often referred to as the "silent disease" because early detection is not always possible. It can difficult to know what signs of osteoporosis to look for.

In fact, early on in the disease, there might not be any symptoms at all. However, later symptoms such as pain in the muscles and bones might develop, which could be the first clue that the disease is developing.

Once the disease has progressed, you might develop sharp pains that come on without notice. Tenderness might accompany the pain and you might find that it worsens if weight is put on that particular area. The first places to experience this type of pain are usually the neck and lower back.

One of the most common symptoms of osteoporosis is a decrease in height. This will occur over time so it might not be noticeable at first. A stopped posture, sometimes referred to as a "dowager's hump", might accompany this. This can be due to a spinal compression fracture.

Bone fractures occurring in the wrists, hips, and vertebrae can occur. These generally happen due to a fall, although some people might not even remember the trauma that causes a broken bone, since brittle bones can break easily.

A minimal trauma stress fracture can occur, too. These fractures are not due to a fall or major trauma, but rather to everyday trauma on the bones, such as walking.

Hip fractures are especially problematic because even after surgery, they can have a difficult time healing due to the poor quality of the bones. For that reason, it is important to maintain a healthy diet even after osteoporosis has been diagnosed.

Leg pain, or cramps in the legs that can be felt a night, could be another of the symptoms of osteoporosis. In addition, constant and consistent pain that feels bone-related and not muscle-related can also be a symptom.

Fatigue, periodontal disease, and fingernail brittleness can also be symptoms of osteoporosis. However, they might be symptoms of other diseases or conditions as well, so it is important to check these symptoms out with your health care practitioner

Many doctors recommend getting bone density tests on regular intervals, especially for women who are post-menopausal. Other tests that can be done include X-rays, MRIs, Spine CTs, and blood tests. Do note that these tests are not without health risks, for example unnecessary exposure to radiation.

Since the symptoms of osteoporosis might not always be apparent, it is important to take care of your bones by ensuring that you are getting enough calcium, magnesium, and vitamins D and K. In addition, it is important to exercise on a regular basis, drink alcohol in moderation, and to stop smoking, since smoking can be a risk factor in developing the disease.

Paying careful attention to your body and knowing when something feels wrong can be a good way of detecting the early signs and symptoms of osteoporosis. It is possible to make your bones stronger and to help prevent the disease, but you must be in tune with your body to determine whether or not there are any changes to it.

Read More: More on Osteoporosis | Natural Health Remedies for Various Ailments and Conditions | Home Page | Site Search

Click here for natural, herbal and homeopathic remedies for osteoporosis.

Click here for more pages and articles on Osteoporosis.

	Get Quality Natural Health Supplements at Reasonable Prices. $5 or $10 discount for new customers
Get natural, herbal and homeopathic remedies for hundreds of health conditions and ailments. GO.

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read. Leave a comment in the box below.

Some Related Osteoporosis Pages

How to Prevent Osteoporosis - Important Tips

Useful Anti Osteoporosis Exercises

Osteoporosis and Calcium - Discussion, Causes, Tips

Treatments for Osteoporosis - Alternative and Natural Relief

Osteoporosis Therapy - Key Elements

Natural Osteoporosis Treatment - Important Dietary and Lifestyle Habits

Causes of Osteoporosis

Signs and Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Reversing Osteoporosis Naturally - Important Tips

Symptoms and Signs of Osteoporosis You Must Know

Negative Effects of Osteoporosis

Seeking a Cure for Osteoporosis - Important Tips