Key Signs It’s Time to Consult a Doctor
Because bone loss often happens without any symptoms, regular check-ins with your doctor are important. However, there are several red flags that should prompt you to make an appointment right away. Do not ignore these signs, as they could indicate significant underlying bone weakness.
Contact your physician if you experience any of the following:
- A Fracture from a Minor Incident: If you break a bone from a simple fall from standing height, a strong cough, or a minor bump, it is a major warning sign of fragile bones. This is often how osteoporosis is first diagnosed.
- Sudden, Severe Back Pain: Pain in your back that appears without an obvious injury could be a vertebral (spine) compression fracture. This happens when a bone in the spine collapses due to weakness.
- Loss of Height: Losing an inch or more of your original height can be a sign of multiple small compression fractures in your spine. Your doctor can track your height over time during annual physicals.
- Developing a Stooped Posture: A curving of the upper back, sometimes called a “dowager’s hump,” is another sign of vertebral fractures and advanced bone loss.
Additionally, you should proactively speak with your doctor about your bone health if you have known risk factors, such as a family history of osteoporosis, long-term use of steroid medications, or certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Your doctor may recommend a bone density test, also known as a DEXA scan. This is a simple, painless X-ray that measures the mineral content in your bones and is the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis.
