Osteoporosis is characterized by a gradual loss of bone mineral density, which makes the skeletal system more fragile and prone to breaking. Aging, gender, ethnicity, family history, and certain drugs are among the many risk factors for this condition, which mostly affects older persons, especially postmenopausal women.

For those with this disease, even minor stresses or falls can cause fractures, often to bones in the wrists, hips or spine. Osteoporosis is a major issue in public health. It’s estimated that more than 50 million people in the U.S. live with osteoporosis, and millions more around the world are afflicted. This article details the early warning signs of osteoporosis to help those who want to know how to spot this disease and, if necessary, cope with it.

Early warning signs of osteoporosis

Many people don’t realize that they have this disease until they have suffered a fracture. Even so, there are a number of early warning signs of osteoporosis. The earlier you get the disease diagnosed, the sooner you can begin treatment and take steps to improve your quality of life.

Some of the most common early warning signs  of osteoporosis include:

• Height loss. A significant decline in height, usually more than 1.5 inches, may indicate the onset of osteoporosis as a result of compression fractures in the spine.
• Posture changes. Vertebral fractures caused by osteoporosis may lead to an apparent shift in posture, including a slouched upper back.
• Fragility fractures. Fragility fractures may occur from minor traumas or activities that normally would not break bones, such as coughing.
• Chronic pain. Back discomfort is a common symptom for people with osteoporosis, especially those who have compression fractures in the spine.
• Low bone density. Untreated low bone density, also known as osteopenia, is a major risk factor for developing osteoporosis.
• Shortness of breath. The disease sometimes compresses the thoracic spine — the set of bones that extend from the nape of the neck to the middle back — due to bone loss or fracture. This narrows the volume of your chest cavity so that your lungs can’t expand as much to breathe, causing shortness of breath.
• Brittle fingernails. The same deficiency in collagen or calcium that causes weak bones might also cause brittle fingernails.
• Dental issues. Those with osteoporosis may notice a decrease in jawbone density and strength, which may lead to tooth loss and other jawbone problems.

Risk factors

There are several risk factors for osteoporosis. People in these high-risk categories should be on the lookout for the signs of bone loss we just reviewed.

• Osteoporosis is more common in people over 50.
• Women are more likely than men to develop osteoporosis. It’s most common in non-Hispanic white women and Asian women.
• Menopause causes hormonal changes that increase the risk of osteoporosis for women because the decline in estrogen speeds up the process of bone loss.
• Body frame (small and lighter weight). People who are already underweight or have a small body frame are at a higher risk of experiencing a gradual decline in bone density as they age.
• Family history and genetic predisposition. You have an increased hereditary risk of acquiring osteoporosis if you have an immediate family member with the disease.
• Smoking hinders calcium absorption and decreases bone mass, increasing the risk of hip fractures, vertebral fractures, and osteoporosis.
• Excessive alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol use (defined as more than two drinks daily) disrupts the body’s calcium balance and prevents the absorption of vital nutrients, which in turn weakens bones.
• Medications such as diuretics, corticosteroids, and hormone replacement therapies, when used for an extended period of time, increase the likelihood of bone loss and osteoporosis.
• GI issues. Bone loss and osteoporosis are more likely in those with gastrointestinal disorders that hinder nutrition absorption, including celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Osteoporosis is more common in people with kyphosis, a condition in which the spine in the upper back curves forward excessively. Kyphosis weakens the vertebrae, which increases the likelihood of fractures and bone loss.

Management of osteoporosis

When dealing with osteoporosis and the pain it brings, people often use a variety of management techniques, including:

• Exercise regularly. Walking and weight-bearing exercises like corner stretches and wall slides enhance balance and bone density. Always speak with your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine.
• Adequate calcium intake. To maintain healthy bones and stop them from losing density, make sure you get enough calcium in your diet or take dietary supplements.
• Vitamin D. Ensuring you get enough vitamin D is paramount to combating osteoporosis. Eating a healthy diet and spending time out in the sun are two excellent ways to boost your vitamin D intake.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Use smoking cessation strategies like patches or lozenges to help you stop smoking. Consider joining a support group like AA to moderate or eliminate alcohol from your life.
• Bone density screening tests. Regular osteoporosis screening (bone density scans) can detect bone loss in its early stages, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of further damage.

Medical screening and diagnosis

Doctors can tell whether a patient has osteoporosis by looking at their medical history, risk factors, and results from bone density tests. For measuring bone density , a DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) is a common tool. It determines the levels of calcium and other bone minerals using low-dose X-rays. In addition to diagnosing osteoporosis, DEXA scans can help determine whether treatment is working.

If you have risk factors for osteoporosis or poor bone health, or are a woman over age 65, ask your doctor about undergoing regular screening.

Typically, you will remain clothed while lying on a cushioned table for a DEXA scan. One arm of the scanner will pass under your body, while another passes over your hips and spine. You might have to hold your breath for a few seconds during the scan; the instructor will tell you exactly what to do. The images taken during the scan are uploaded into a server and a computer processes them. The scan usually lasts between 10 and 30 minutes. Results are typically available within a few days.

Consulting with healthcare providers

You can get expert treatment for osteoporosis in the Rheumatology Department at Florida Medical Center Orlando Health. Our medical specialists conduct thorough evaluations using cutting-edge diagnostic equipment like bone density scans to track and treat diseases that impact bone health. Our number one goal is to improve your quality of life.

By combining state-of-the-art technologies with a caring approach, we can help you spot the early warning signs of osteoporosis and develop effective treatment strategies and lifestyle changes. Each patient receives an individualized treatment plan that focuses on reducing pain, strengthening bones, and decreasing fracture risk.

About Julie Norton, APRN – Rheumatology

Julie Norton received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing at Barry University, Miami, in 1996. She worked as an RN in the Cardiac/Telemetry Unit while she achieved her Master’s in Nursing at the University of Tampa. She graduated in 1999 and has been working as an Advanced Practice Nurse in the Orthopedic specialty for the past 20 years.

Julie has been a clinical densitometry-certified specialist in bone health since 2015, with an emphasis on osteoporosis preventive care and treatment. Her wealth of knowledge and skill in the field makes her an ideal choice for people looking to enhance their bone health and find effective ways to treat osteoporosis.

Call 813-782-1234 to request an appointment.