Over time, vitamin deficiencies and hormonal changes can slow the creation of new bone materials in the body. When the creation of new bones can’t keep up with the loss of old bones, the bones become brittle, hollow and weak. This concept is also known as osteoporosis — a disorder that is unfortunately all too common among older adults. According to a 2014 study that surveyed the prevalence of osteoporosis and low bone mass in the US, 10 million people 50 years and older reported osteoporosis diagnoses.
Diagnosing osteoporosis early can improve your quality of life. At early stages, treatment plans may include weight-bearing exercises, supplements and medications that all prevent bone deterioration from worsening.
That being said, catching osteoporosis in these early stages can be tricky, as there aren’t many symptoms. To have as much time on your side with the prevention, you must become familiar with some of the early warning sides before your osteoporosis worsens.
1. Receding gums
Osteoporosis weakens the bones in your entire body, including your jaw. Because the jaw becomes weak, you might notice loose teeth and teeth falling out. Loss of bone density in the jaw can also increase the risk of infections, leading to periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is when the gums and bones surrounding the teeth become infected and inflamed. Once the infection spreads, it will cause the gums to recede, damaging the tissue that holds your teeth in place.
Since osteoporosis is a bone disease, it won’t directly impact your teeth. Your teeth, though commonly mistaken for bones, are made of tissues called pulp, dentin, enamel and cementum. However, osteoporosis will cause indirect damage to your teeth since your teeth are held in place by the bones in your jaw. Examples of osteoporosis-related oral damage include:
- Tooth extraction complications;
- Dental implant failure;
- Tooth loss.
Those at risk for osteoporosis should visit their dentist for dental concerns. Catching dental concerns early can help your dentist to address issues before they become more serious.
2. Decreased grip strength
According to a 2018 study from the Department of Orthopaedics and Radiology, low grip strength is a strong risk factor for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. This happens because the bones in the spine, neck, hip and hand become fragile. As these essential bones become less capable of bearing weight, a person’s grip strength diminishes.
3. Gradual loss of height
Height loss as you age is normal. Eventually, the cartilage between the joints wears out. However, if you lose more than an inch of your height, you may have osteoporosis in your spinal column, hips and legs.
Height loss and osteoporosis are intertwined. For example, one 2017 study found that women with osteoporosis of the hip lost around three inches of height. Osteoporosis in the spine can also cause the spinal column to curve and shorten, which prevents the body from straightening to its full height.
4. Stooped posture or back pain
As mentioned, osteoporosis in the spine may cause a person’s back and neck to curve, creating a hunched posture. This happens as tiny fractures cause the spine to cave inward.
When this curvature occurs in the upper back, doctors may diagnose this as kyphosis. A 2013 study that surveyed 1,196 older women acknowledged the hand-in-hand progression of osteoporosis and kyphosis in older adults. As osteoporosis creates compression fractures in the front of the vertebrae, the bones form wedge-shaped vertebrae that force the spine to bend forward.
This process can also be incredibly painful and manifest as chronic back pain. As the bones in the back weaken, the vertebrae can become deformed and fracture under the body’s weight. For many, this pain is one of the first noticeable signs of osteoporosis. Therefore, individuals at risk for osteoporosis should visit their doctor at the first sign of back pain.
5. Frequent bone fractures
As the bones become more brittle, they’re more likely to break from mild trauma. Fractures can occur during daily activities such as coughing, bending or bumping into another object. Bone fractures caused by osteoporosis typically occur in the neck, vertebrae, hip, wrist and ribs.
Older adults with osteoporosis must be especially cautious since mild trauma can cause severe bone injuries. For example, you should avoid situations where you could easily fall, such as walking outside in icy conditions.
6. Brittle fingernails
Brittle fingernails could indicate that you are at risk for osteoporosis. Nails aren’t directly associated with bones; however, many nutrients needed to sustain healthy nails are also used to create healthy bones. If your fingernails are brittle and breaking, it could be a sign that your bones may be in a similar state and also lack the necessary nutrients to grow.
Diagnostic tests for osteoporosis
To diagnose osteoporosis, your doctor will need to measure your bone mineral density (BMD) with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. This X-ray exam is painless and will simply measure the bone density in specific areas of your body.
Your doctor will also collect personal medical history and family history that might help determine whether you are at risk for osteoporosis. For example, if you are a woman over 65, you may be more likely to receive an osteoporosis diagnosis due to hormonal changes after menopause. Your doctor may also need a report of your diet, smoking history, exercise, past bone fractures and other indicators that might help the doctor make a successful diagnosis.
Osteoporosis prevention strategies
As mentioned, osteoporosis is a common disease that causes chronic pain in millions of Americans every year. And although osteoporosis is an eventual outcome many may face, it is never too late to implement prevention strategies in your lifestyle.
Luckily, you can take several steps to prevent osteoporosis from developing or at least from worsening:
- Book regular health screenings: At-risk groups, such as post-menopausal women, should book regular health screenings with their doctor to catch early symptoms.
- Take calcium and vitamin D supplements: To grow strong bones, your body needs a steady supply of calcium and vitamin D.
- Exercise with weight-bearing techniques: Exercising will ensure that your bones and muscles stay strong. Weight-bearing exercises can also increase your bone density, decreasing the likelihood of osteoporosis development.
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol: A 2018 study suggests that tobacco smoking causes an imbalance in bone turnover, and the National Institute of Health published that excessive alcohol interferes with calcium intake — both of which can increase your likelihood of developing osteoporosis.
Preventing osteoporosis can be possible if you diligently maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you notice any early signs of osteoporosis, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.