World Osteoporosis Day: Early Detection Can Protect Your Spine and Prevent Fractures

Are you silently losing your height? World Osteoporosis Day — don’t ignore these signals

World Osteoporosis Day is observed every year on October 20 to raise awareness about bone health, especially in adults above 40. Osteoporosis is called a “silent bone disease” because it shows no symptoms until a painful spine or hip fracture suddenly appears — many times without any major fall or injury.

As a spine specialist in Mumbai, I frequently see patients who come late — after a vertebral compression fracture, height loss or forward bending (hunched back posture). The good news is: osteoporosis is preventable — if detected early.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become porous, fragile and weak, increasing the risk of fractures. It is most common in:

• Post-menopausal women

• Men above 60 years

• Those with low calcium / Vitamin D

• People with long-term steroid use, smoking or sedentary lifestyle

Early Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

✅ Sudden back pain without injury

✅ Loss of height over time

✅ Forward bending posture (stooped back)

✅ Wrist, hip or spine fracture after a simple slip

✅ Muscle weakness or difficulty standing straight

If you notice even one of these — a bone density (DEXA) test is strongly recommended.

How Osteoporosis Affects the Spine?

The spine is the most common site for osteoporotic fractures. Osteoporosis can lead to:

• Vertebral compression fractures

• Severe back pain

• Hunched or bent spine posture (kyphosis or hunchback)

• Reduced mobility and breathing difficulty

Early evaluation by a spine specialist can prevent long-term disability.

Prevention Starts Today — Simple Daily Habits

• Get 15–20 minutes of morning sunlight for Vitamin D

• Eat calcium-rich foods — milk, paneer, ragi, sesame, sprouts, leafy greens

• Walk or do weight-bearing exercise 30 minutes daily

• Avoid smoking and excess alcohol

• After age 40 — BMD/DEXA scan once a year

• Start treatment early if T-Score < –1.0

Osteoporotic women treated with lifestyle modification and bone building treatment for prevention of vertebral compression fractures

When to See a Spine Specialist Immediately?

• Sudden back pain or difficulty standing upright

• Suspicion of multiple small fractures or progressive stooping

• Previously diagnosed osteoporosis with ongoing pain

Early treatment can prevent surgery and restore posture safely.

Book Your Bone Density / Spine Health Consultation

Dr. Om Patil

Orthopedic & Spine Surgeon — Mumbai

Dadar & Chembur Clinics

📞 9819191896 / 9819195885 / 9819195150

✅ Book DEXA Scan or Spine Consultation — Protect Your Bone Health Today