Osteoporosis Literally Means Porous Bones,

Osteoporosis literally means porous bones, and is a progressive disease that can cause serious injury. With osteoporosis, bones gradually lose their density to the point where they become brittle and break easily. The hips, spine, and wrist are common fracture zones (National Osteoporosis Foundation). Fractures in turn can cause deformity or severe, chronic pain (National Osteoporosis Foundation). The fractures caused by osteoporosis can be caused by even the slightest stress that would not affect a healthy bone.

Older women are at the highest risk for developing osteoporosis, and are about four times as likely as men for developing the disease (National Osteoporosis Foundation). Certain ethnic groups are at higher risk for the disease, with Caucasian and Asian women being at a higher risk than women of African decent (Shiel). Poor nutrition can contribute to osteoporosis.

Persons with osteoporosis often remain unaware that they have developed the condition until it is too late and they break a bone. However, bone density tests can alert persons at risk for developing osteoporosis whether or not they have the condition or how far the condition has progressed.