Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It develops slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a bone to break (fracture). Treatments are available and can be very effective.
The most common injuries in people with osteoporosis include broken wrists, hips and spinal bones. However, breaks can also happen in other bones, such as in the arm or pelvis. Sometimes a cough or sneeze can cause a broken rib or the partial collapse of one of the bones of the spine. Osteoporosis is not usually painful until a bone is broken, but broken bones in the spine are a common cause of long-term pain.
Osteoporosis can be treated with bone strengthening medicines and treatment can significantly extend a person’s life – Read study of effects of Osteoporosis drugs
The NHS website has an extensive guide to the condition and its treatments – View NHS Guide