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5 Min Read
Osteoporosis is often called a silent thief, it quietly steals bone strength over the years without giving much warning. You might feel perfectly fine, living your daily life, until one day a small slip or a sudden twist leaves you with a fracture. This is why understanding osteoporosis and taking steps to prevent it is so important.
Synopsis
What is Osteoporosis?
So, what is osteoporosis? It’s a condition where bones become weak and brittle due to a loss of mass and density over time. If you imagine bone as a tightly packed honeycomb, osteoporosis creates bigger spaces in that structure, making bones fragile.
While anyone can develop it, the condition is most common among older adults, especially postmenopausal women, because hormonal changes speed up bone loss. But it’s not just a problem for seniors. Your bone health in later life largely depends on the lifestyle choices you make in your younger years.
Signs and Symptoms of Osteoporosis
In its early stages, osteoporosis rarely causes pain or obvious symptoms. That’s why it’s so dangerous; people often find out they have it only after a fracture. But as the condition progresses, certain signs can appear.
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Chronic back pain from tiny fractures in the spine.
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Fragile bones that break easily, even from minor bumps.
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Loss of height over time due to spinal compression.
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Stooped posture, sometimes called a dowager’s hump.
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Bone tenderness or discomfort in certain areas.
These osteoporosis symptoms should never be ignored. Early detection makes treatment far more effective.
What is the Main Cause of Osteoporosis?
What is the main cause of osteoporosis? The answer lies in the balance between bone formation and bone breakdown. In younger years, bone-building activity is faster than bone loss. But as we age, particularly after menopause in women, the scale tips, and bone loss starts to outpace bone formation.
Some of the biggest contributors include.
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Age-related changes that naturally weaken bones.
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Hormonal imbalance, especially low estrogen in women and low testosterone in men.
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Poor nutrition, with insufficient calcium and vitamin D.
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Lack of exercise, especially weight-bearing activities.
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Certain medications, like long-term steroids, weaken bones.
Who is at Risk?
Osteoporosis doesn’t strike everyone equally. Some groups are more vulnerable:
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Women, especially after menopause.
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Older adults, as bone loss accelerates with age.
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People with a family history of fractures or osteoporosis.
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Those with small body frames, as they have less bone mass to begin with.
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Certain ethnicities, including Asians, who tend to have lower bone density.
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People with hormonal disorders like thyroid or adrenal issues.
If you fall into several of these categories, regular bone check-ups are crucial.
A Real-Life Story: When a Small Fall Changed Everything
Anita, a 62-year-old retired teacher from Pune, was always active. She loved gardening, morning walks, and cooking for her grandchildren. One afternoon, she slipped slightly in her kitchen. It wasn’t a hard fall, just a quick stumble, but she felt a sharp pain in her wrist.
At first, she thought it was just a sprain. But the X-ray revealed a fracture. Her doctor suspected something more and recommended a bone density test at Manipal Hospital Baner. The results showed severe osteoporosis.
Anita was shocked—she had no idea her bones were so fragile. With the hospital’s personalised treatment plan—medication, calcium and vitamin D supplements, physiotherapy, and diet changes—she regained her strength. Today, she’s more careful but still active. She now encourages her friends to get tested early, even if they feel healthy.
Her story is a reminder that osteoporosis can be silent until it suddenly isn’t.
How Osteoporosis is Diagnosed
When it comes to osteoporosis diagnosis, the gold standard is the DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), which measures bone mineral density. This painless test can reveal bone weakness before fractures happen.
Doctors may also order:
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Blood tests to check calcium, vitamin D, and hormone levels.
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Urine tests to detect bone breakdown markers.
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X-rays to see if fractures or bone loss are already present.
If you’re over 50, especially with risk factors, it’s wise to book a bone density scan before problems arise.
Can Osteoporosis Be Cured?
Many people ask, Can osteoporosis be cured? The short answer is no—it cannot be completely reversed. However, it can be managed effectively. The goal is to slow down bone loss, improve strength, and prevent fractures.
Management may involve:
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Medications like bisphosphonates are used to slow bone breakdown.
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Hormone therapy in certain cases.
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Lifestyle changes, such as better nutrition and exercise.
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Physiotherapy to improve posture and balance.
Osteoporosis Treatment Options
Osteoporosis treatment is most effective when it’s personalised. At Manipal Hospital Baner, doctors consider age, bone density, medical history, and fracture risk before creating a plan.
Treatment may include:
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Prescription medications to protect and strengthen bones.
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Calcium and vitamin D supplements to support bone health.
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Weight-bearing exercises like walking, dancing, or light resistance training.
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Physiotherapy to enhance posture and prevent falls.
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Surgery, in cases of severe fractures, such as vertebroplasty or hip replacement.
With consistent treatment, many patients lead active, independent lives.
How to Prevent Osteoporosis
The best defense against osteoporosis is prevention—and the earlier you start, the better. Here’s how:
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Eat for your bones – Include dairy products, leafy greens, nuts, and fish rich in calcium and vitamin D.
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Exercise regularly – Weight-bearing activities like jogging, skipping, and yoga keep bones strong.
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Avoid harmful habits – Quit smoking and limit alcohol, as both weaken bone structure.
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Get regular check-ups – especially after age 50 or if you have risk factors.
Even if you already have osteoporosis, these habits can help slow its progress.
Osteoporosis is not something you can feel creeping up on you—it’s often invisible until a fracture occurs. But with the right awareness, early diagnosis, and consistent treatment, you can protect your bones for life.
Remember Anita’s story: a small fall led to a big discovery, but timely care made all the difference. Don’t wait for a fracture to be your wake-up call. Take action today to protect your bones, stay strong, and live fully.
Conclusion
If you live in Pune, Manipal Hospital Baner offers advanced diagnostics and expert orthopaedic care to help you prevent, manage, and treat osteoporosis effectively. Strong bones mean a stronger you, and it’s never too early, or too late, to start looking after them. Book an appointment today!
FAQ's
The most common sign is an increased risk of fractures from minor falls, often accompanied by back pain or gradual height loss.
A bone density test (DEXA scan) is the most accurate method, sometimes supported by blood and urine tests.
It cannot be fully cured, but its progression can be slowed with medication, diet, and exercise.
Calcium-rich foods like milk, yoghurt, cheese, green leafy vegetables, and vitamin D sources like eggs and fatty fish.
Postmenopausal women, older adults, people with a family history, and those with low body weight are at higher risk.
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