Move to your own rhythm.

with leading edge patient centred osteoporosis care, I'm here to ensure you get the highest quality care.

What is

osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones, making them more susceptible to sudden and unexpected fractures. It is a condition where there is less bone mass and strength, and it often develops without any symptoms or pain. Osteoporosis is usually not discovered until weakened bones cause painful fractures, most of which are fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine.

Osteoporosis is caused by low bone mineral density due to altered bone microstructure, ultimately predisposing patients to low-impact, fragility fractures. Osteoporotic fractures lead to a significant decrease in quality of life, increasing morbidity, mortality, and disability. While prevention is best, medical treatments are available for osteoporosis management. To reduce the risk of osteoporosis, it is recommended to eat a diet rich in calcium and do regular weight-bearing exercise. These lifestyle habits are best started younger in life to get the most benefit.

How common is osteoporosis in

Australia?

About 200 million people are estimated to have osteoporosis throughout the world, and in Australia, the figure is about 1.2 million people. Women are four times more likely to develop the disease than men, although osteoporosis occurs in both men and women. After age 50, one in two women and one in four men will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.

Signs & symptoms of

osteoporosis?

The disease often does not present any symptoms in the early stages. However, as it progresses, the following signs and symptoms may occur:
  • Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra
  • Loss of height over time
  • A stooped posture
  • A bone that breaks much more easily than expected

Other early warning signs of osteoporosis include low bone density, bone fractures, lost height, a curved upper back, sudden back pain, difficulty getting into or out of a chair, and reduced muscle mass in the thighs. It is important to note that osteoporosis can be present without any symptoms for decades because it doesn’t cause symptoms until bone breaks (fractures). Therefore, prevention of osteoporosis is as important as treatment.