Fightosteoporosis

About Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a common condition among older people, particularly postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis affects the strength of your bones and can make them fragile and more likely to break. The bones most likely to break or fracture are your spine, hips and wrist, though any bones can be affected. Osteoporosis results when your body removes bone more rapidly than it can replace it with new bone. Gradually, this causes your bone structure to weaken and become more susceptible to fractures.

There are many factors that can determine whether or not you may be at risk of developing osteoporosis. It’s important to talk to your doctor and identify those risk factors that you can change to help improve your bone health.

Osteoporosis Myths and Facts

Do you know all the facts about osteoporosis? You may know less than you think! Take this quiz to find out!

Bones don’t change once they’re fully grown.

Myth. Bone is a living tissue, just like any other part of your body. Healthy bone renews itself by removing old bone and replacing it with new bone. As you age, this process becomes less efficient. You start to lose more bone than is replaced making your bones thin and increasing your risk of fracture.

I will be able to tell if I fracture a bone because of the amount of pain I will experience.

Myth. It may sound strange, but some fractures don’t cause pain. For example, spinal (or vertebral) fractures are often painless, making them much harder to diagnose and treat. Over time, spinal fractures can cause you to become shorter and develop a curved back, a deformity known as kyphosis, commonly called a dowager’s hump.

I would know if I had osteoporosis.

Myth. Osteoporosis often begins without any symptoms that you can see or feel. That’s why it’s often called the “silent thief.” Many people don’t know they have bone loss until they experience a fracture.

I exercise and take calcium. I can’t be losing bone.

Myth. Exercising and taking calcium are both good for your bones and can help to delay or reduce bone loss, but that may not be enough. If you are over 50 and have one major or at least 2 of the minor risk factors, [link to Risk Factors section], you should ask your doctor about being tested for osteoporosis.

There are many things I can do to help my bones, even if I’ve already experienced bone loss.

Fact. It’s never too late to start looking after your bones. There are steps you can take to help improve your bone health, such as getting enough calcium and vitamin D, and exercising regularly. In addition, if your doctor has prescribed a medication, be sure to take it as directed to ensure you get the most benefit.

Fractures only happen if you have an accident. If I’m careful, I’ll be okay.

Myth. It is important to prevent accidents like falls, but even if you never have a fall you could still fracture a bone. If your bones are seriously weak from osteoporosis, you could suffer a fracture even with simple movements. Wrist, spine and hip fractures are most commonly associated with osteoporosis. It is important to take your medication as directed by your doctor, to help ensure you get the intended benefit.

Osteoporosis is an old person’s disease. I don’t need to worry about it yet.

Myth. If you are over 50, it is important to talk to your doctor about osteoporosis. Depending on your risk factors, the doctor may send you for a test to help determine if you need treatment. If you’ve suffered a fracture after a minor fall, or lost more than 2 cm (3/4 inch) of height in the past year, you should talk to your doctor about being tested for osteoporosis. Data shows that one in five women who experience a spinal fracture will fracture again within just one year.

Bones don’t change once they're fully grown. Fact Myth	Myth. Bone is a living tissue, just like any other part of your body. Healthy bone renews itself by removing old bone and replacing it with new bone. As you age, this process becomes less efficient. You start to lose more bone than is replaced making your bones thin and increasing your risk of fracture.
I will be able to tell if I fracture a bone because of the amount of pain I will experience. Fact Myth	Myth. It may sound strange, but some fractures don’t cause pain. For example, spinal (or vertebral) fractures are often painless, making them much harder to diagnose and treat. Over time, spinal fractures can cause you to become shorter and develop a curved back, a deformity known as kyphosis, commonly called a dowager’s hump.
I would know if I had osteoporosis. Fact Myth	Myth. Osteoporosis often begins without any symptoms that you can see or feel. That’s why it’s often called the “silent thief.” Many people don’t know they have bone loss until they experience a fracture.
I exercise and take calcium. I can’t be losing bone. Fact Myth	Myth. Exercising and taking calcium are both good for your bones and can help to delay or reduce bone loss, but that may not be enough. If you are over 50 and have one major or at least 2 of the minor risk factors, you should ask your doctor about being tested for osteoporosis.
There are many things I can do to help my bones, even if I’ve already experienced bone loss. Fact Myth	Fact. It’s never too late to start looking after your bones. There are steps you can take to help improve your bone health, such as getting enough calcium and vitamin D, and exercising regularly. In addition, if your doctor has prescribed a medication, be sure to take it as directed to ensure you get the most benefit.
Fractures only happen if you have an accident. If I’m careful, I’ll be okay. Fact Myth	Myth. It is important to prevent accidents like falls, but even if you never have a fall you could still fracture a bone. If your bones are seriously weak from osteoporosis, you could suffer a fracture even with simple movements. Wrist, spine and hip fractures are most commonly associated with osteoporosis. It is important to take your medication as directed by your doctor, to help ensure you get the intended benefit.
Osteoporosis is an old person's disease. I don't need to worry about it yet. Fact Myth	Myth. If you are over 50, it is important to talk to your doctor about osteoporosis. Depending on your risk factors, the doctor may send you for a test to help determine if you need treatment. If you've suffered a fracture after a minor fall, or lost more than 2 cm (3/4 inch) of height in the past year, you should talk to your doctor about being tested for osteoporosis. Data shows that one in five women who experience a spinal fracture will fracture again within just one year.