Symptoms Of Osteoporosis
A good portion of individuals suffering from osteoporosis may not even be aware of the fact that they have the condition. However, the majority of the time, individuals with osteoporosis have visible signs and symptoms and may be mild to severe in nature. Common symptoms often reported are noticing your spine starting to curve inwards slightly, making you appear slightly shorter than you are. However, the same sign at an advanced stage may present itself as a stooped posture with a prominent hump at the top of the spine. This may be caused by fractures in certain parts of your vertebrae column, which may not only affect your appearance but may also cause significant pain as well.
Since osteoporosis presents itself with a plethora of symptoms, it is much easier to divide these into Early Onset Symptoms and Late-Onset Symptoms.
A) Early Onset Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Early signs and symptoms of osteoporosis include:
-
- Gum Recession: Individuals may find their gums gradually moving away from their tooth structure due to the loss of jaw bone. This may also be detected by your dentist while screening and clinical examination.
- Loss of Grip: A weaker grip is also an early sign of osteoporosis, as it depicts a loss of mineral content from the bones of your body.
- Brittle Nails: Experts believe that strength of nails is an indication of bone health. Hence, brittle and weak nails are also an early sign of osteoporosis. However, this symptom is associated with osteoporosis and may also indicate other health conditions.
B) Late-Onset Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Late-Onset Signs and symptoms of osteoporosis include:
-
- Height Loss: Height loss is a frequently reported symptom in individuals affected with late-onset osteoporosis. It is caused by a compression fracture of the spine, making it curve and appear shorter than you are.
- Fracture From Minor Trauma: If you get a fracture from minor trauma or a gentle hit, you are most likely suffering from osteoporosis. As the severity of the condition continues, so does the risk of fracture. Individuals with severe osteoporosis may even get a fracture after a sneeze or a cough.
- Constant Back Pain: Since severe osteoporosis can lead to a compression fracture of the spine, these collapsed vertebrae may pinch the surrounding nerves and cause pain to the individual. The degree of pain caused by pinching of nerves may range from mild to severely debilitating.
