An early symptom of osteoporosis often presents as bone fractures which do not match up to the described injury or ones which occur in the absence of any obvious injury.



Other patients may present with back pain which seems to have no clear explanation. Back pain must be taken seriously and should be investigated clearly before being written off, especially if osteoporosis ends up to be the diagnosis. It is a mistake you cannot afford.

Osteoporosis leads to the skeletal bones leaching calcium, collagen and even protein. With the loss of these minerals, the skeletal system bones become more porous, in extreme cases, often taking on the appearance of Swiss cheese. It is this depletion that can lead to severe back pain and fractures.

Osteoporosis symptoms can appear without warning. Think about the back pain that just won't end. Many patients don't even know that they have osteoporosis until they experience a break and then have an exam and x-ray. Sometimes the osteoporosis isn't even diagnosed until after multiple fractures which puts you at risk for even higher morbidity. Multiple fractures or even fractures without obvious injury should be considered suspicious and require further investigation.

Spinal fractures can lead to severe back pain which radiates from the back and around to the sides. Many times compression fractures of the spine are quickly related to common osteoporosis symptoms. These fractures can also lead to a loss of height and in severe cases can cause the hunched back appearance many associate with osteoporosis. Many patients are initially diagnosed with osteoporosis during treatment for back pain.

Other patients may also be diagnosed with osteoporosis during a hospitalization for a hip fracture. Often hip fractures occur from even a very simple a slip and fall. When the hip fracture doesn't match the extent of the fall which occurred then this absolutely must be investigated for a break secondary to osteoporosis. Hip fractures often heal very poorly due to the poor bone quality and the location of the fracture.

If you are experiencing symptoms of osteoporosis such as fractures without just cause or back pain that you simply cannot explain, then you must make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss the possibility of osteoporosis. This diagnosis is not one that you can ignore.

The morbidity of this condition can be so life altering that you may never again recognize your life if osteoporosis gets a solid grip.