Doctors explain silent bone disease and steps to protect strength

Doctors call osteoporosis a silent disease because bones lose strength for years without any symptoms. As people age, the natural breakdown of living bone tissue starts to win over the rebuilding process, causing density and quality to drop until fractures become likely.

Signs And Risks

Dr Ramkinkar Jha, a senior orthopaedic surgeon at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, notes that the condition becomes more common with age and especially after menopause due to falling oestrogen levels. However, men, people with certain medical conditions, individuals with nutritional deficiencies, long-term steroid users, and those with a family history of hip fractures also face risks. Because the condition does not hurt, four main physical effects deserve attention. These include fragility fractures from minor falls or trivial accidents, shrinking of about two to four centimetres due to small spinal compression fractures, a new stoop or rounder upper back, and sudden or lingering back pain caused by a weakened vertebra.

Prevention And Testing

Several factors raise the chance of bone loss, including early menopause, low body weight, smoking, heavy drinking, low calcium, thyroid problems, and nutrient absorption issues. General bone density testing is recommended for women aged 65 and men aged 70, or sooner for those with risk factors or past fractures. Protecting bone health involves steady habits like eating a balanced diet with enough calcium and protein, taking vitamin D supplements when needed, doing weight-bearing and resistance exercises, and practicing balance training. People should also quit smoking, cut back on alcohol, and speak with a doctor about prescription treatments or medicines that could weaken bones.

Context

Osteoporosis is a widespread condition affecting millions of older adults globally, leading to increased vulnerability to debilitating breaks. Medical guidelines consistently emphasize early screening and lifestyle modifications to maintain skeletal integrity and prevent severe mobility issues later in life.