Osteoporosis
 

Osteoporosis is characterized by a systemic loss of bone minerals such as calcium in the bones and the deterioration of bone tissue, resulting in an increased risk of fracture. Fractures resulting from osteoporosis may result in an increased risk of disability and a decreased quality of life. Men and women above the age of 50 are at an increased risk of suffering from an osteoporotic fracture due to various factors such as advancing age, history of a previous fracture, nutritional deficiencies and a sedentary lifestyle.

When you are young, your body makes new bones faster than it breaks down old bones. However as you reach your 20s, this process slows and you will reach peak bone mass by the time you hit your 30s. As you age, bone mass will be lost faster than it is created. Your chances of developing osteoporosis will partly depend on how much bone mass you have developed growing up. The higher your bone mass, the more bone you will have in your later years and the less likely you are of developing osteoporosis.

Signs & Symptoms

Osteoporosis does not show symptoms in its early stages. However, over time, after your bones have weakened from osteoporosis, you may experience symptoms such as:

• Back pains, caused by a broken or collapsed bone in the spine
• Loss of height over time
• A hunched posture
• Brittle and fragile bones