Osteoporosis – At a Glance
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become weaker, increasing risk of fractures.
Who is affected?
About one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 will suffer a bone fracture due to osteoporosis.
Can osteoporosis be treated?
Yes, osteoporosis is treatable. In addition to a healthy diet and regular physical activity, bone health can be supported with supplements and medications.
Early detection is important
The earlier osteoporosis is diagnosed, the better it can be managed. Don’t ignore back pain — it could be an early warning sign.
Warning sign: Fracture after a minor fall
Healthy bones can usually withstand a low-impact fall — meaning not a car accident or a fall from a staircase or ladder, but rather a typical, everyday incident. Did you break a bone after a simple fall? That could be a sign of osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor — a fracture may be a first warning sign.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become weaker and more brittle. As we age, everyone naturally loses some bone density — this is a normal part of aging. However, in some individuals, this process occurs more rapidly and more severely, making bones more prone to fractures. Low bone density significantly increases the risk of breaking a bone. With SpineQ®, bone density can be measured during routine examinations. While bone density is a key factor, there are many other important risk factors that should be considered. These should be discussed with your doctor to assess your individual overall risk. There are many ways keeping your bones strong and healthy. These include regular exercise and strength training, a calcium- and protein-rich diet, adequate vitamin D intake, and, if necessary, specific medications. Preventionis the key to optimal protection.
In summary, early diagnosis and timely prevention are benefitial for reducing the risk of fractures and preserving long-term bone health.
Symptoms
Osteoporosis often develops silently and without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. It is frequently only diagnosed after a fracture has occurred. The most common osteoporotic fractures are in the vertebrae.1 These can lead to spinal deformities and a collapsing. Many people do not notice such fractures or do not seek medical attention once the pain subsides. SpineQ® can help your doctor detect previously unnoticed vertebral fractures. After an initial fracture, the risk of further fractures increases significantly.2 As a result, spinal curvature (kyphosis) can worsen, potentially leading to what is commonly referred to as a “hunched back”.
Other typical fracture sites in osteoporosis include the wrist and the hip (femoral neck). Hip fractures in particular can have severe consequences, including loss of independence, reduced mobility, the need for long-term care, and even premature death.
Osteoporosis as a Global Health Issue
Osteoporosis considered a widespread disease and is prevalent worldwide. It occurs most frequently with increasing age but can also affect younger individuals. In Germany alone, several million people are affected. Over the course of their lives, one in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture. Yet, more than two-thirds of high-risk patients still do not receive adequate treatment.3 This is despite the fact that osteoporosis can be diagnosed relatively easily through a combination of measurable risk factors (such as low bone density) and basic clinical indicators, like a family history of osteoporosis.
Low Bone Density - What Now?
With SpineQ®,you receive a fast and reliable report that helps you and your doctor plan the best next steps for your bone health and act early.
If the results of the SpineQ® measurement indicate slightly reduced or reduced bone density, this does not necessarily mean that you will suffer a bone fracture. A bone density measurement with SpineQ® alone is not sufficient to predict the probability of a fracture. It is important to discuss the results with your doctor (e.g. general practitioner, orthopedic specialist, or gynecologist) to evaluate your individual situation and other risk factors. The good news: there are many lifestyle changes and treatment options your doctor can recommend supporting your bone metabolism and reduce the risk of fractures.
Preventing & Treating Osteoporosis Naturally
There are many effective ways to strengthen bones, avoid falls, and prevent fractures. Even if you have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you can still actively support your bone health:
A diet richin calcium and protein (e.g., dairy products) and sufficient vitamin D (from sunlight) helps to strengthen bones and prevents of the natural loss of bone and muscle mass as we age.
Fall risks can be reduced by adapting your home environment — for example, by removing tripping hazards like loose cables or rugs. Additionally, building muscle strength, especially in the core and legs, improves stability and helps you maintain balance in challenging situations.
Regular exercise helps maintain bone density and improves coordination, which not only protects against fractures but also reduces the risk of falling.
Smoking accelerates bone loss — quitting significantly lowers the risk of fractures.
In addition, there are several medication-based treatment options available to prevent or treat osteoporosis. These are usually recommended when fractures have already occurred or when the risk of fracture is particularly high.
Additional Information for Patients with Osteoporosis
If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, or suspect you may be affected, it is important to stay well-informed. An early diagnosis and the right treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of fractures. To support you in this process, we have compiled a selection of informative websites. These resources offer up-to-date insights into osteoporosis, detailed information about available treatment options, and practical tips for living with osteoporosis in everyday life. We encourage you to use these materials to better understand your condition and to work with your doctor to find the most suitable therapy for your individual needs.
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Sources
- Ensrud, K. E. Epidemiology of fracture risk with advancing age. Journals Gerontol. - Ser. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. 68, 1236–1242 (2013).
- Lindsay, R. et al. Risk of new vertebral fracture in the year following a fracture. Jama 285, 320–323 (2001).
- Kanis, J. A. et al. SCOPE 2021: a new scorecard for osteoporosis in Europe. Arch. Osteoporos. 16, (2021).