Osteoporosisis sometimes called a “silent disease” because it often has no symptoms.
However, there are some early warning signs of osteoporosis.
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Risk Factors vs.
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Warning signs are more immediate.
They suggest someone could have existing osteoporosis that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Low bone density due to a loss of bone is calledosteopenia.
This is sometimes considered a precursor to more severe osteoporosis, but not everyone with osteopenia will develop osteoporosis.
The lower the T-score, the greater the bone loss.
Osteoporosis involves more significant bone density loss than osteopenia.
Breaking a Bone During Pregnancy
It’s normal to lose some bone density during pregnancy and lactation.
Most people with PLO don’t know they have osteoporosis before they get pregnant.
The most common site of PLO is a spinal compression fracture, which may feel like bad back pain.
This smaller, cramped space can lead to the previously mentioned symptoms.
Dental Issues
Problems with yourteethcould be a sign of osteoporosis.
Certain Medications
Some medications are known to cause bone loss.
There are differentstages of osteoporosisas you progress from average bone density to osteoporosis.
Can You Reverse Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a progressive condition that gets more dangerous as it increases in severity.
Unfortunately, you cannot reverse bone loss from osteoporosis.
However, there are steps you’ve got the option to take toprevent further bone loss.
Knowing the early warning signs of osteoporosis can help you get an earlier diagnosis and prompttreatment.
Based on the T-score results of this scan, you may be diagnosed with osteoporosis.
These treatments can’t reverse existing bone loss, but they are beneficial for preventing future bone loss.
Summary
Osteoporosis is a “silent” disease that progresses over many years.
You may not know you have it until it is already severe, often after you fracture a bone.
That is why it is essential to understand the subtle early warning signs of osteoporosis.
If you experience these warning signs, speak with your healthcare provider about a bone density test.
A Word From Verywell
It can be scary to think you may have osteoporosis.
Before that, you may be diagnosed with osteopenia, which means low bone density.
People describe osteoporosis pain as severe, stabbing, aching, and anything in between.
Osteoporosis does not cause pain, but its associated fractures can be painful.
Osteoporosis may be mistaken for osteoarthritis, a different condition that causes similar pain and symptoms.
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Cedars-Sinai.Compression fracture.
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