Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become thin.  As a result, the bones are more likely to break.  Bones most often affected are in the hip, spine, and wrist, but the ribs and other bones are also at risk. 

Nearly 25 million Americans have osteoporosis and most of them are women above the age of 60. Men are also vulnerable to the disease. In the early stages of osteoporosis there are no signs or symptoms, which is why it has the nickname “the silent disease.” The loss of bone progresses gradually until a bone breaks. Other signs are a loss of height and bad posture. 

A physician may suggest a bone density scan for patients in a high-risk group to determine if some form of treatment to prevent or treat osteoporosis is needed. This is especially true for women around menopause when estrogen levels fall. There are several techniques for measuring bone density and they are safe and painless.

For a listing of common osteoporosis risk factors and predesposing conditions: Click Here

To estimate your risk, or the risk of someone you know of having osteoporosis: Click Here