Brittle bones - Symptoms of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis develops slowly over several years.

There are often no warning signs or symptoms until a minor fall or a sudden impact causes a bone fracture.

Healthy bones should be able to withstand a fall from standing height, so a bone that breaks in these circumstances is known as a fragility fracture.

The most common injuries in people with osteoporosis are:

• wrist fractures
• hip fractures
• fractures of the spinal bones (vertebrae)

Sometimes a cough or sneeze can cause a rib fracture or the partial collapse of one of the bones of the spine.

In older people, a fractured bone can be serious and result in long-term disability. For example, a hip fracture may lead to long-term mobility problems.

Although a fracture is the first sign of osteoporosis, some older people develop the characteristic stooping (bent forward). It happens when the bones in the spine have fractured, making it difficult to support the weight of the body.

Is osteoporosis painful?

Osteoporosis isn't usually painful until it causes a fracture.

Although not always painful, spinal fractures are the most common cause of long-term (chronic) pain associated with osteoporosis.