The bones that make up your spine (vertebrae) can weaken to the point that they crumple and collapse, which may result in back pain, lost height and a hunched posture. Bone fractures, particularly in the spine or hip, are the most serious complications of osteoporosis.
Is osteoporosis very serious?
Osteoporosis is a serious and sometimes fatal condition. Osteoporosis leads to hip fractures and, according to Sellmeyer, around 25 percent of people die within the first six to 12 months after a hip fracture.
Can anything be done for severe osteoporosis?
Your doctor will likely prescribe medications as well as lifestyle changes. These lifestyle changes can include increasing your intake of calcium and vitamin D, as well as getting appropriate exercise. There’s no cure for osteoporosis, but proper treatment can help protect and strengthen your bones.
How long can you live with severe osteoporosis?
The average life expectancy of osteoporosis patients is in excess of 15 years in women younger than 75 years and in men younger than 60 years, highlighting the importance of developing tools for long-term management.
How concerned should I be about osteoporosis?
Risk for fractures is increased in many bones, particularly those of the hip and spine. Fractures can lead to pain, disability, loss of independence, and even death. Osteoporosis does not cause symptoms, and many people with osteoporosis may not be aware that they have it.
Can you live a full life with osteoporosis?
Women younger than 75 years and men under 60 years can expect to live at least 15 more years after beginning treatment for osteoporosis, according to a new observational study.
What organs are affected by osteoporosis?
About 2 million fractures in the US each year are due to osteoporosis. Although all bones can be affected by the disease, the bones of the spine, hip, and wrist are most likely to break.
Can you live a long healthy life with osteoporosis?
But “you can live with osteoporosis for a long, long time and never have complications such as fractures — if you take certain precautions,” says Felicia Cosman, MD, osteoporosis expert and medical director of the clinical research center at Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw, N.Y.
How fast does osteoporosis progress?
While some bone is lost each year, the rate of bone loss increases dramatically in the 5 to 10 years after menopause. Then, for several years, the breakdown of bone occurs at a much greater pace than the building of new bone. This is the process that eventually causes osteoporosis.
Are there stages of osteoporosis?
Recap. There are several stages of osteoporosis. The first two are more like precursors to the actual disease. In the latter two stages, you may have frequent fractures or breaks, experience pain, or even have deformities from bone loss.
Can osteoporosis make you fall?
Osteoporosis is well known to increase the risk of falls and fall related injuries (i.e, a fracture) (Cheong, Peh, & Guglielmi, 2008; Guglielmi, Muscarella, Leone, & Peh, 2008).
