Osteoporosis can occur in both men and women, but women are four times more likely to develop it due to hormonal changes that occur with menopause. The loss of estrogen causes bone loss to accelerate. By age 65, women lose up to 20% of their bone density.Top 15 Signs and Effect of Osteoporosis

Understanding the signs, symptoms, and effects of osteoporosis is important for early detection and prevention of bone loss. Here are the top 15 things you should know about this disease:

The Top 15 Signs and Effects of Osteoporosis Are:

1. Fractures from Minor Injuries

One of the most common signs of osteoporosis is breaking a bone from a minor bump or fall that normally would not cause a fracture. The disease weakens bones to the point where even a minor strain like bending over, coughing, or tripping can cause a broken bone. Fractures most often occur in the hip, wrist, and spine.

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2. Loss of Height

As osteoporosis progresses, it can cause vertebrae in the spine to fracture and collapse. This leads to a stooped posture and loss of height over time. Measuring height loss is one way doctors monitor the progression of bone loss. A loss of 2 inches or more is a sign the disease is advanced.

3. Back Pain

Fractures in the spinal vertebrae often cause sudden, severe back pain. The fractures themselves are often painless, so the back pain is more noticeable than the actual fracture. Left untreated, multiple compression fractures can result in chronic, disabling pain.Information guide Nigeria

4. Stooped Posture

In addition to height loss, vertebral fractures in the upper back cause many people with osteoporosis to develop a stooped or hunched posture. The head drops forward and the upper back is rounded due to weakness in the bones. This is called dowager’s hump or a widow’s hump.

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5. Breaks or Fractures in Hips

After the spine, the most common fractures due to osteoporosis occur in the hip bones. Hip fractures have serious effects, with many older adults losing their independence after a hip break. One-fourth of seniors who fracture a hip die within one year of the injury.JAMB portal

6. Wrist Fractures

Fractures of the wrist typically occur when falling forward onto an outstretched hand. Wrist fractures from minor traumas are indicators of bone weakness. Osteoporosis is the cause of over 800,000 wrist breaks per year.

7. Rib Fractures

Coughing or bending can cause ribs to break in people with osteoporosis. Rib fractures are painful and can impair breathing. Fractured ribs also take a long time to heal due to constant movements from breathing. Multiple rib fractures increase the risks of other complications and death.

8. Neck Pain

Fractures in the cervical spine of the neck often produce pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. The pain may radiate down the arm when nerves are compressed by bone fragments. Neck fractures can be immobilizing and greatly reduce quality of life.

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9. Bone Pain

As bone density declines, people with osteoporosis often feel deep aches and pains in their bones. The pain is worse at night or with movement. Bone pain is not the same as joint or arthritis pain. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers provides little relief.

10. Dental Problems

Osteoporosis not only affects the bones of the skeleton but also the jaw bone. This can cause tooth loss, pain while chewing, and poor dental health overall. Getting dental implants or dentures may be difficult due to weak jaw bones.Information guide Nigeria

11. Weak, Brittle Nails

Just as bones become brittle, nails become thin and weak with osteoporosis. Nails may crack or break more easily, peel, or have ridges. In severe osteoporosis, white spots or lines may appear on nails.

12. Hormonal Changes

Estrogen deficiency is a major cause of osteoporosis in women. Menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries speeds up bone loss. In men, low testosterone can contribute to osteoporosis. Hormone disorders like hyperthyroidism and hyperparathyroidism also increase the risks.Good morning My Love Message

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13. Inactive Lifestyle

Lack of exercise weakens bones by stimulating the process of bone breakdown. Weight-bearing activity and muscle-strengthening exercise build strong bones. Inactivity allows bone loss to occur faster, especially during the first few years after menopause.NYSC Portal

14. Poor Nutrition

Calcium and vitamin D deficiencies can impair bone health. An unbalanced diet lacking proper nutrition contributes greatly to low bone density and fractures. Eating disorders like anorexia can be particularly damaging.

15. Genetic Factors

People born with certain gene mutations are prone to developing osteoporosis even if they don’t have the other major risk factors. Deficiencies in collagen production and bone formation play a role in genetic causes of weak bones.Romantic love message

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Conclusion

The early signs of osteoporosis are often dismissed as normal effects of aging. However, they should prompt a medical evaluation since bone loss occurs over years before fractures actually happen. Getting early treatment and taking preventive measures can help stop osteoporosis progression and reduce fracture risks. Paying attention to the subtle warning signs allows you to take action before serious bone damage occurs.

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