Osteoporosis is a disease that can often go undetected. During its early stages, people can spend a considerable amount of time with weakening bones and may not be aware of their depleting strength until they suffer an unfortunate accident in the form of a break or fracture. Bone loss can take years to reach a point where it becomes a serious hindrance in daily life. Here are some symptoms of osteoporosis you should be aware of:

1. Osteopenia
Osteopenia is a condition when once-healthy bones experience low density far below what is considered average. This is a level of density that is still too high to classify as osteoporosis. While having lower bone density than average isn’t ideal, it isn’t necessarily a sign that someone will develop osteoporosis in the future. Many people can develop osteopenia and seek corrective medical attention. However, a decline in bone density over time can lead to fractures, breaks, and is common in the beginning stages of osteoporosis.

2. Frequent fractures
Bone fractures and breaks become more frequent as bone density drops, and is a common medical concern for people developing osteoporosis. A slip, fall, or other kinds of trauma become far more perilous for those with weak bone density as fractures can form though a person may not feel immediately hurt. Doctors who notice frequent fractures in a patient may opt for a bone density test to determine if fractures are an indication of lowering density.

3. Poor posture
The spine is especially delicate in people with osteoporosis. Compression fractures along the spine occur when common pressure or exerting too much force through lifting can compound weakened vertebrae. Over time this can lead to poor posture, including the development of a “widow’s hump,” curving the spine around the shoulder area.

4. Family history of osteoporosis
Along with weakening bone strength, knowing about family medical history can indicate whether or not people should be concerned about their chances of developing osteoporosis. Having an immediate relative, such as a parent or sibling, with osteoporosis significantly increases the chances that they may also develop this condition.

5. No signs
Many can develop osteoporosis without showing symptoms until the condition has significantly progressed. Osteopenia, however, can provide low enough bone density for frequent fractures and posture problems to cause concern in patients. Anyone who sees these signs of osteoporosis as cause for concern for their own health, they should speak to their doctor about performing a full diagnosis and explore treatment that can limit their discomfort and allow them to return to a more active lifestyle.

6. Talk to your doctor
Anyone who believes that they may be suffering from lowered bone density ought to open up a more frank dialogue about their immediate concerns. If need be, patients should request x-rays or a DEXA scan from their doctor in order to get a better assessment of their bone health and determine the best course of treatment.

Those who want to be more proactive ought to consider several lifestyle changes, such as altering their diet to consume more calcium and vitamin D. Taking up more regular exercise can also help in keeping up bone health and limit the potential for unnecessary fractures. Resistance training and weight lifting exercises, when performed properly, are essential to increasing strength. This is a tested exercise method to protect vulnerable joints from potential fractures.