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Are You at Risk for Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is often called the “silent disease” because bone loss occurs without symptoms. People may not know they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden sprain, bump, or fall causes a fracture or collapsed vertebra. Collapsed vertebrae may initially be felt or seen in the form of severe back pain, loss of height, or spinal deformities, such as stooped posture.
Several factors can place one at risk of developing osteoporosis. These include:
- female gender
- thin and/or small frame
- advanced age
- family history of osteoporosis
- postmenopause
- diet low in calcium
- certain medications
- inactive lifestyle
- high caffeine intake
- cigarette smoking
- excessive use of alcohol
- ethnicity—it’s more common in Caucasian or Asian-American people, although African-Americans and Hispanics are at significant risk.
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