In cooperation with the London Osteoporosis Clinic

Recognising Osteoporosis — Signs and Silent Progression

Why this matters

Osteoporosis is often called the "silent disease" because bone loss usually occurs without symptoms. Many people only discover they have osteoporosis after a fracture, when the condition has already become established.

Learning to recognise the warning signs and understanding when to seek help can lead to earlier diagnosis, more effective treatment and a lower risk of future fractures.

The bigger picture

A broken bone after a minor fall is not an inevitable part of ageing. It may be the first sign that your bones have become fragile.

Recognising osteoporosis early creates an opportunity to investigate the cause, strengthen your bones and reduce the risk of further fractures.

What you will learn

In this course, Dr Taher Mahmud draws on more than 20 years of experience caring for people with osteoporosis to explain:

• Why osteoporosis is often symptom-free
• The warning signs that should not be ignored
• When fractures may indicate underlying osteoporosis
• When to seek medical advice
• The next steps in assessment and treatment

This information is intended to improve your understanding and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. If you are concerned about your bone health, please seek advice from a healthcare professional.

For further information, practical resources and specialist support, visit www.londonosteoporosisclinic.com.

Key takeaway

Osteoporosis is usually silent until a fracture occurs. Recognising the warning signs and seeking assessment early can help protect your bones and prevent future fractures.

Your next step

Work through each lesson in this course and consider whether you or someone you know has experienced any of these warning signs. Early recognition is the first step towards protecting lifelong bone health.

Further reading

Bone Health Tests: What Each One Actually Measures

An overview of the tests used to assess bone health — including when they are needed and what the results mean.

Why this matters

Osteoporosis is often called the "silent disease" because bone loss usually occurs without causing pain or obvious symptoms. Many people only discover they have osteoporosis after breaking a bone from a minor fall or everyday activity.

The good news is that you do not have to wait for a fracture before assessing your bone health. By considering your risk factors, medical history and, where appropriate, a bone density (DXA) scan, healthcare professionals can often identify osteoporosis before complications occur.

Understanding

Although osteoporosis itself rarely causes symptoms in its early stages, weakening bones can eventually lead to signs that should not be ignored. These include fractures after minimal trauma, loss of height, a stooped posture and, in some cases, back pain caused by compression fractures of the spine.

The following lessons explain the warning signs and complications that may suggest osteoporosis and when it is important to seek medical advice.

Key takeaway

Osteoporosis is usually silent. Waiting for symptoms may mean waiting too long. Understanding your risk and recognising the warning signs can lead to earlier diagnosis and help prevent future fractures.

Further reading

Private DEXA Scan London: Same-Day Results & Expert Review

A bone density scan can identify osteoporosis before a fracture occurs. Find out who needs one and what to expect.

Although osteoporosis often develops without symptoms, there are several warning signs that should never be ignored. These include:

• A broken bone after a minor fall or everyday activity, particularly a fracture of the wrist, forearm, hip or spine.
• Persistent back pain, especially if it develops suddenly or does not improve.
• A stooped or curved posture.
• Noticeable loss of height. This should not simply be accepted as a normal part of ageing.
• Fragility fractures occurring at a younger age, particularly in people with medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease or epilepsy, or in those taking long-term medications such as corticosteroids or certain anti-epileptic drugs.

Many people who sustain a hip fracture have previously experienced another osteoporosis-related fracture that was not recognised as a warning sign or fully investigated.

Key takeaway

A fragility fracture is often your body's first warning that your bones may be weaker than they should be. Recognising these warning signs early and seeking assessment can help prevent future fractures.

Further reading

Spinal Compression Fractures: Signs, Risks, and Your Bone Health Checklist

Back pain and height loss are often dismissed — this article explains when they signal something more serious.

Why this matters

A fracture is often the first sign that osteoporosis has weakened the bones. Many people are unaware they have osteoporosis until they break a bone following a minor fall or everyday activity.

Fortunately, osteoporosis can often be identified before a fracture occurs through careful assessment of risk factors and, where appropriate, a bone density (DXA) scan.

Understanding

Osteoporotic (fragility) fractures usually occur after minimal trauma, such as a simple fall from standing height or an activity that would not normally break a healthy bone.

Fractures most commonly affect the:

• Wrist
• Spine (vertebrae)
• Hip

Spinal fractures deserve particular attention because they are not always recognised. Some cause sudden, severe back pain, while others may cause little or no pain. Over time, multiple spinal fractures can lead to:

• Loss of height
• A stooped posture
• Chronic back pain
• Reduced mobility

What about small fractures?

Not all fractures involve a bone breaking completely in two. Tiny cracks, known as stress fractures or insufficiency fractures, can develop when weakened bone is unable to cope with normal everyday forces. These may be painful or, in some cases, remain unnoticed.

Key takeaway

A fragility fracture should never be dismissed as "just bad luck" or "part of getting older". It may be the first indication of underlying osteoporosis and should prompt a bone health assessment to help prevent future fractures.

Further reading

Spinal Compression Fractures: Signs, Risks, and Your Bone Health Checklist

Private DEXA Scan London: Same-Day Results & Expert Review

Don't ignore the warning signs

If you are concerned about your bone health or have experienced a fragility fracture, speak to your GP or healthcare professional. Early assessment can identify osteoporosis before further fractures occur.

Unfortunately, many people who sustain a fragility fracture are not assessed for osteoporosis. As a result, opportunities to prevent future fractures may be missed.

Prevention comes first

Looking after your bone health is a lifelong investment. A balanced diet, regular weight-bearing and strength-building exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D, avoiding smoking and keeping alcohol within recommended limits can all help maintain stronger bones.

If you are at increased risk, your healthcare professional may recommend further assessment, including a bone density (DXA) scan and, where appropriate, treatment to reduce your fracture risk.

The good news

Osteoporosis is both preventable for many people and treatable once diagnosed. The earlier it is recognised, the greater the opportunity to strengthen bones, reduce fracture risk and maintain independence and quality of life.

Key takeaway

Don't wait for another fracture. If you think you may be at risk, seek advice early. Understanding your bone health today can help protect your mobility, independence and quality of life for years to come.

For further information, practical resources and specialist support, visit www.londonosteoporosisclinic.com.

Further reading

Why Osteoporosis Treatment Is a Strategy, Not a Prescription

What happens after diagnosis — and why treatment is about far more than medication alone.

Exercise for Bone Health: Weight-Bearing, Resistance & Balance

The specific types of movement that strengthen bone, build muscle and reduce your risk of falls and fractures.

Written by Dr Taher Mahmud of the London Osteoporosis Clinic.
Provided for education and not a substitute for personalised medical advice.