Osteoporosis is a common bone condition that makes bones weak and easier to break. Many people do not know they have it until they have a fracture. That’s why it is often called a “silent disease.” At our orthopedic clinic, we often see patients whose first sign of osteoporosis is a broken bone after a simple fall. Learning about this condition can help you protect your health and stay active.
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak, brittle, and less dense over time. Healthy bones are constantly remodeling—old bone is broken down and new bone is formed. As we age, this balance can shift. When bone breakdown happens faster than bone formation, bones gradually lose density. Healthy bone is strong and solid. With osteoporosis, the inside of the bone becomes more like a sponge with bigger holes. This makes the bone fragile and easier to break.
Osteoporosis most often affects the hips, spine, and wrists, but any bone in the body can be affected.
How Osteoporosis Makes You More Prone to Fractures
When bones lose strength, even small accidents can cause a fracture. A simple fall from standing height, bumping into furniture, or stepping off a curb the wrong way can lead to a broken bone. In more serious cases, even bending over, lifting something light, or coughing hard can cause a small fracture in the spine. These are called “fragility fractures” because they happen from minor injuries that would not normally break a healthy bone.
Think about all of things your bones do; supporting your body weight, protecting vital organs, enabling movement, anchoring muscles… hen bones are fragile, everyday activities become risky. Even cautious individuals can experience fractures if their bone strength is compromised.
Why Osteoporosis-Related Fractures Matter
A fracture is not just a temporary inconvenience—especially in older adults.
- Loss of Independence – Hip fractures in particular can significantly impact mobility. Many patients require surgery, rehabilitation, and sometimes long-term assistance with daily activities.
- Chronic Pain – Spinal compression fractures can significantly affect your quality of life, leading to:
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- Persistent back pain
- Height loss
- Stooped posture (kyphosis)
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- Increased Risk of Future Fractures – One fracture dramatically increases the likelihood of another. After the first fragility fracture, the risk of subsequent fractures rises substantially unless treatment is started.
- Overall Health Risks – Complications after major fractures—especially hip fractures—can include blood clots, infections, and decreased physical activity, which can impact overall health.
Preventing the first fracture is crucial.
Who Is at Risk?
Osteoporosis becomes more common as people get older. Women, especially after menopause, are at higher risk, but men can develop it too. Your risk is higher if you have a family history of osteoporosis, a small or thin body frame, low calcium or vitamin D levels, or if you smoke or drink a lot of alcohol. A lack of regular exercise can also weaken bones over time. Some medications, like long-term steroid use, can increase risk as well.
Signs to Watch For and Diagnosis
Most people do not have symptoms until a fracture happens. However, you may notice that you are getting shorter over time or that your posture is becoming more hunched. Sudden back pain without a clear injury can also be a warning sign. If you break a bone after a minor fall or injury, that should be checked right away.
Osteoporosis is usually diagnosed with a bone density test, often called a DEXA scan. This is a simple and painless test that measures how strong your bones are. It helps your doctor understand your risk of fractures and decide if treatment is needed. To learn more about DEXA scans and how to get one, visit our Bone Health Clinic Page.
How to Protect Your Bones
The good news is that there are many ways to protect your bones. Eating enough calcium and vitamin D helps keep bones strong. Weight-bearing exercise, such as walking or light strength training, helps build and maintain bone. Balance exercises can lower your risk of falling. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol can also make a big difference.
For some patients, medication may be needed to slow bone loss or help build stronger bone.
You should consider an appointment if you have had a fracture from a minor fall, have ongoing back pain without a clear reason, notice height loss, or have risk factors for osteoporosis and have never had a bone density test.