What is osteoporosis?
A person with osteoporosis has lost the normal bone structure that makes the bones strong. The bone mass and bone density decrease, and the bones become weak. Osteoporosis makes bones more prone to breaking. A wrist fracture, hip fracture, or vertebral compression fracture is more common in those with osteoporosis. About 35 percent of women in the US develop osteoporosis.

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
Symptoms of osteoporosis include loss of height, kyphosis of the spine, chronic back pain, hip pain, and wrist pain. Symptoms of a bone fracture include sudden, severe bone pain.

How does the doctor treat osteoporosis?
Treatment for osteoporosis includes calcium supplements, hormone replacement therapy, and biphosphonate medications. Additional treatment may include avoiding smoking, regular exercise, and weight loss for those who are overweight.