Because there are typically no symptoms until the first fracture occurs, osteoporosis is considered a silent disease. Some call it a silent killer.
Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by decreased bone density and strength, leading to fragile, brittle bones that increase the risk of fractures, especially in the spine, hips, and wrists.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that more than 10 million Americans have osteoporosis. Another 43 million have low bone mass, which is the precursor to osteoporosis. By 2030, the number of adults with osteoporosis or low bone mass is estimated to increase by more than 30% to 71 million.
The reasons for the increase include lifestyle issues, particularly smoking, lack of physical activity, and alcohol abuse. Our aging population, along with the insufficient attention paid to this disease, is also why osteoporosis is on the rise.
