How does osteoporosis affect people who have it?
The biggest concern for people with osteoporosis is the risk of bone fractures. Once a fracture occurs, a person s independence, quality of life and even survival can be greatly reduced. Fractures of the spinal vertebrae, called compression fractures, lead to a progressive change in the shape of the spine and back. Vertebrae may crush suddenly without warning. A person may lose height or develop a pronounced curvature of the spine, known as a “dowager s hump”. A person may not want to participate in daily activities, such as walking, lifting objects, dressing, housecleaning, shopping and other simple pleasures of life, for fear of fracturing a bone or because the pain is too great. The loss of self-esteem caused by changes in body image, the loss of independence and the fear of future fractures can lead to depression and increasing isolation. Probably the most serious consequences arise from hip fractures. A hip fracture almost always leads to surgery and hospitalization and can result
