Osteoporosis: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

What Osteoporosis Is and What Kind of Condition It Is

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease in which bone tissue loses density and becomes fragile, so that even a minor injury can lead to a fracture. It develops gradually, often without obvious symptoms, which is why it is often called a "silent" disease and is frequently discovered only after a fracture or an incidental examination.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis in Women and Men

Early Symptoms and Pain in Osteoporosis

In the early stages, osteoporosis rarely causes noticeable pain, but some people notice a dull ache in the back, a reduction in height, or a change in posture. These signs often go unnoticed until a vertebral, hip, or wrist fracture occurs even after a minor bump or fall.

How Osteoporosis Manifests in Postmenopausal Women

In women after menopause, the risk of osteoporosis rises due to declining estrogen levels, which play an important role in maintaining bone density. This can be accompanied by lower back pain, stooped posture, and increased bone fragility, making regular screening especially important during this period.

How to Check for Osteoporosis: Diagnosis and Examinations

If more detailed imaging of the bone structure is needed, a doctor may refer the patient for a CT scan.

How Osteoporosis Is Treated and Whether It Can Be Cured

Osteoporosis is a chronic condition that cannot be fully cured, but its progression can be significantly slowed and the risk of fractures reduced. If a fracture or marked deformity is present, a referral to orthopedic and trauma surgery or, in more complex cases, reconstructive surgery may be needed.

Medication Treatment for Osteoporosis

Treatment usually includes medications that slow bone breakdown or stimulate new bone formation, along with calcium and vitamin D supplements. The specific regimen depends on the severity of the disease, sex, age, and the patient’s other health conditions.

Diet, Physical Activity, and Fall Prevention During Treatment

A balanced diet with adequate calcium, moderate physical activity to strengthen the muscles, and fall-prevention measures at home — removing slippery rugs, ensuring good lighting, and wearing stable footwear — all play an important role.

Prevention of Osteoporosis in Women and Men

Prevention includes a balanced diet, adequate sun exposure, regular physical activity, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and timely screening after age 50, especially for postmenopausal women. If needed, consultations with related specialists, including surgeons, are available through the center’s general surgery department.