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Long term effects of osteoporosis

The long term effects of osteoporosis vary between patients, but the most common effect is a bone fracture after even a relatively minor accident.⁸ Further complications can arise from the healing process, as well as from the loss of mobility that often occurs after a spine or hip fracture.

Fractures

Depending on where in the body the fracture occurs, the severity of fractures varies:

• Wrist fractures: These are likely to be less severe since they only affect the way the arm moves, and not the entire body. Once a fracture has occurred after a minor fall, the patient is at a greater risk of further fractures later on.⁸
• Hip fractures: These usually need surgery and in severe cases may require the replacement of the hip joint altogether. If the hip fracture is serious it may result in the loss of mobility and independent living, temporarily or in the long term.⁴
• Vertebral or spinal fractures: Spinal fractures can result in serious consequences, such as deformity in the spine’s curvature, height loss, back pain and mobility loss.

Spinal Curvature

Even if a fracture does not occur, the spinal bones (vertebrae) may become weak and crush together. As this happens the spine curves, which can result in back pain, height loss, and difficulty breathing since there is less space under the ribs.

Loss of mobility

Although bones heal in around two months, recovering from a fracture may require help from a physiotherapist in order to help regain mobility. A physiotherapist will typically provide exercises for osteoporosis patients that focus on rebuilding bone strength.

Financial Consequences

In addition to a loss of mobility, sufferers may face considerable financial challenges that result from treating the disease. These can include medication, hospital visits, and regular appointments with doctors and physiotherapists for recommendations for the correct osteoporosis exercises. Losing the mobility that’s required for your job can lead to a loss of income which can be psychologically damaging and well as making it difficult to maintain your previous standard of living.

Preventing osteoporosis

Because of the absence of outward osteoporosis signs before it reaches the advanced stages, it’s especially important to take steps in the prevention of osteoporosis. Although the strength of your bones depends mostly on hereditary factors and age, osteoporosis prevention can be achieved through a healthy diet and regular exercise regime. In addition, bone density scans can help alert your doctor to the first signs of the disease.

Disease Information

• Angina
• Depression
• Diabetes (Type 2)
• Heart Attacks
• Heart Failure
• High Blood Pressure
• Osteoporosis (Postmenopausal)
• Stroke