Osteoporosis is a word that means “porous bone” and is used to describe a bone disease wherein bone density diminishes and is not naturally replenished. Osteoporosis is progressive in nature and the bones gradually lose calcium, causing them to weaken over time. The loss in calcium and bone density makes the bones more prone to easy fractures from a simple fall or even a cough or sneeze.

Factors that contribute to osteoporosis include age, low calcium intake, eating disorders, menopause, and certain medications. Family history is also a risk factor for osteoporosis.
While osteoporosis is gradual, it may be hard for individuals to notice that their health is deteriorating. However, the following warning signs are indicative of osteoporosis:

1. Stooped posture
Osteoporosis weakens the bones in your vertebrae, causing them to fracture even under normal pressure. As a result, there tend to be compressions in the vertebrae with repeated spinal fractures over the years. The compression makes the shoulders look sloppy, and the neck sticks out. Further, the collapse of the vertebrae causes the upper back of an individual to curve hence the appearance of a hunched-back, also known as the dowager’s hump. Osteoporosis can cause rapid or gradual deformation of the vertebrae. When the tissues in and around the vertebrae are destroyed, the bones become weak. As a result, the external forces exceed their strength. At times, the severity of bone damage is so high that the entire vertebrae collapse. With the collapse of the vertebrae, the spine compresses. Even light activities may cause trauma and fractures in the bones leading to mild or acute pain in the upper and lower back, and normal activities such as standing and sitting become harder.

2. Receding gums
Receding gums, also known as periodontal disease, occurs when the gum tissues around the teeth begin to pull back. This process exposes the tooth’s root, forming gaps between the teeth and gums, giving room for bacteria to accumulate. The jaw and teeth are part of the bones in the body. When the bone density in the body decreases, there is a proportional decrease in the mineral density of the alveolar bone, making the dental cavity prone to periodontitis.

3. Loss of height
Osteoporosis causes less cushioning between the discs in the spine. The spine also loses its fluid and compresses or collapses due to weakening. Further, the collapse due to fracture causes the discs to reduce in size. As a result, the spine shrinks, and this affects an individual’s height. The loss of height due to osteoporosis is mostly irreversible.

4. Fractures that occur easier than expected
A person who has osteoporosis does not experience the normal replacement of the bone tissue. The number of new bones is less than that of the old bones, which are worn out. The bones, especially the spine, hip, and wrist, become brittle and weak. As a result, the bones break from light tasks that would otherwise not break a normal bone.

If you begin to experience these signs, seek immediate medical attention from a qualified medical practitioner. Seeking early medical advice prevents further damage and gives you a better chance of recovery. Also, consider changing your diet to accommodate foods that are rich in calcium and supplements that will restore your bone density.