Symptoms

There are no typical osteoporosis symptoms as such, since significant complaints only arise, for example, as a result of the first bone fractures and thus in an advanced stage. With regard to an initial self-diagnosis, it is aggravating that the first pains in the area of the musculoskeletal system are of an uncharacteristic nature (e.g. “back pain“), the patient usually dismisses them as “harmless” and does not initially associate them with osteoporosis. In principle, most osteoporosis-related complaints are due to bone fractures, which the patient may not even recognize as such.

Initially, they are often rather undramatic and may occur without any apparent external causes. In more advanced stages of osteoporosis, a severe cough may lead to rib fractures. In comparison, a healthy person would at least have to fall to cause rib fractures.

The following symptoms can be seen as warning signs: Information on bone densitometry can be found here.

Bone fractures of the arms, legs and vertebrae (caused e.g. by stumbling over a carpet edge, jerky movements or severe coughing) occur easily and possibly with above-average frequency.
An acute fracture can suddenly cause severe pain (e.g. back pain).
Muscle tensions occur as a result of spinal malposition.
External changes, such as the formation of a back hump, the loss of height by up to 30 cm become visible.
Respiratory problems due to restricted lung expansion or digestive problems due to narrowing of the intestine, possibly also lumbago like complaints due to pressure on nerves, sensory disturbances of the skin crystallize out.
Chronic and recurrent back pain unexpectedly turns out to be older bone fractures during X-ray examination

The symptoms of osteoporosis are often unspecific.

However, diffuse back pain is typical as an early symptom. In the further course of the disease, the spine curves backwards (= kyphosis), forming a hunchback, especially in the thoracic spine. Due to these spinal column changes, osteoporosis patients lose height.

The back pain then originates on the one hand from the bones, but also from muscles and tendons in the further course of the disease, provoked by the patient taking incorrect and relieving postures. The reason for bone pain is so-called pathological fractures, i.e. bone fractures without adequate trauma. Depending on the form of osteoporosis, the location of the fractures varies: in the senile form, the femoral neck, upper arm or forearm are usually affected, whereas in the postmenopausal form, the vertebral bodies are more likely to be affected.

Accordingly, the pain occurs not only in the back but also at the above-mentioned predilection sites. Changes in the spinal column may also cause irritation of the nerves exiting the spinal canal. This can manifest itself as pressure-induced nerve pain or as lumbago pain.

Since in most cases the pain is ultimately based on bone fractures, further symptoms occur. These include restricted mobility and functional losses. If the vertebral bodies are affected, there is also a loss of size.

However, pain can also occur as a side effect of osteoporosis therapy. Taking the drugs “desonumab” and “parathormone” may cause the occurrence of pain in the limbs. In general, pain in patients with osteoporosis should always be perceived as a warning signal, as it usually indicates a pathological fracture. As there is a risk of pain chronicity, especially in osteoporosis patients, timely pain therapy should be emphasized.