Osteoporosis - Outpatient Rehab
Understanding Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle — so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses such as bending over or coughing can cause a fracture. Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the hip, wrist or spine.
Bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and replaced. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone doesn’t keep up with the removal of old bone.
Osteoporosis affects men and women of all races. But white and Asian women — especially older women who are past menopause — are at highest risk. Medications, healthy diet and weight-bearing exercise can help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones.
Symptoms & Signs
There typically are no symptoms in the early stages of bone loss. But once your bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, you may have signs and symptoms that include:
- Back pain - Often caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra
- Loss of height over time - A gradual decrease that may go unnoticed at first
- A stooped posture - Sometimes called a “dowager’s hump” or kyphosis
- A bone fracture that occurs much more easily than expected - Often from minor falls or even simple movements
