As bones become less dense, they weaken and are more likely to break. Bone breakage mostly occurs in the hip, spine, or wrist, but other bones can break, too. Bone fractures can be painful, debilitating and expensive.
In osteoporosis, the bones soften and can lead to:
- Pain
- Reduced height
- Limited mobility
- The need for long-term nursing home care
Women 65 and older and men 70 and older may want to consider a non-invasive bone density scan to detect how porous their bones are. Although there is no cure for osteoporosis there are many treatments to prevent, slow, or stop its progress. Natural bone loss can be slowed by weight-bearing exercising, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, stopping smoking, and eating a healthy diet.
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