What is Osteoporosis?

DEAR ASK THE DOCTOR: My father said he has Osteoporosis. I am very worried about him. He said that his bones have become very fragile. Does this happen to someone who has Osteoporosis?

DEAR ADAM: Osteoporosis is a serious disease in which your bones become fragile and are far more likely to break. If this disease is if left untreated, it can progress without any pain until a bone breaks. These broken bones mainly occur in your hip, spine, and wrist (known as fractures).

Although any bone can be affected, doctors pay extra attention to fractures of the hip and spine. A hip fracture almost always requires hospitalization and major surgery. It can impair a person's ability to walk unassisted and may cause prolonged or permanent disability or even death. Spinal or vertebral fractures also have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity.