Usually, the early stages of osteoporosis have no symptoms. But as the disease progresses, you may experience:
- Bone pain or tenderness
- Curvature of the spine
- A stooped posture called kyphosis (sometimes known as “dowager’s hump”)
- Loss in height (as much as six inches)
- Other changes in posture and body shape
- Low back pain and/or neck pain due to fractures of the bones of the spine
Osteoporosis Can Lead to Fractures and Jaw Problems
The first sign that bones are thin or fragile may be a sudden fracture. This can happen after a minor bump, strain, fall, bend, or even a cough. A fracture usually means that your bone loss is serious.
- Hip fractures are very serious. Only 40 percent of people who break these bones recover fully and 20 percent need to live in nursing homes.
- Spine fractures can happen without people knowing. There may be no obvious symptoms. Spine fractures can cause loss of height and a curved spine. People will also have back pain for more than two weeks. This type of broken bone can also cause lung problems that may need treatment.
If you have these types of changes you need to see your healthcare professional. They may order a scan to see if you have bone loss.
- Jaw problems can happen because of osteoporosis. Bone loss here can cause tooth loss, problems with dentures and recovery from dental surgery.
Last Updated December 2022