If you think you may have osteoporosis, it is important that you make an appointment with a rheumatologist. They can run tests to determine if you do have this problem. Until then, below are some symptoms you will have, as well as information on treatment options.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

In the beginning stages of osteoporosis, you will likely have no symptoms. Over time, however, the bones in your back weaken, and then you will start having symptoms. For example, the main symptom is back pain, which is due to a collapsed or fractured vertebra. The vertebra runs down the middle of your back, so you can have pain just about anywhere.

You will have a stooped posture as your vertebra starts to curve. Because of this, you will lose height a little bit at a time. Someone with osteoporosis is also more susceptible to bone fractures. This means you could have a small fall and fracture your back.

Treatment Options

The most common treatment option for osteoporosis is using medications. You will likely have to take more than one type. For example, one type will help build the bones in your back so they will be stronger, and another will help you with pain. You may have to take the medications daily, weekly, or once a month.

If you are a woman who has gone through menopause, you have low estrogen levels. Once this happens, your bones may not be as strong. Because of this, your doctor will speak with you about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Because HRTs can be dangerous for some women, such as if there is a history of breast cancer in the family, the doctor will leave the decision up to you.

One of the main things the doctor will have you do is to eat healthy. This is because nutrition can help give you strong bones. This is especially true of calcium. Add foods to your diet that are high in calcium, such as low-fat milk, cauliflower, low fat yogurt, salmon, broccoli, and more.

If you do not think you can eat enough foods to provide you with the calcium you need talk to your doctor about taking a supplement to provide you with the nutrients. The doctor will also ask you to take a vitamin D supplement as your body needs vitamin D to absorb the calcium.

Talk with a rheumatologist at facilities like the Sarasota Arthritis Center about these things to get more information.