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Osteoporosis or “brittle bone disease” is the thinning and weakening of the bones, causing bones to become fragile and extremely porous, and liable to fracture easily. This condition progresses with age and is common in people over 60 years old, particularly amongst post-menopausal women.

Brittle bones which fracture at the slightest blow or fall is the main symptom. In severe cases, bones may break spontaneously. As weakened vertebrae become compressed, victims could become hunchbacked. Persistent back pain could also add to the terrible experience.

The common cause of osteoporosis is lack of calcium. After the age of 35, the body no longer absorbs calcium as efficiently resulting in more bone loss than can be replaced. Post-menopausal women are particularly susceptible as their ovaries have stopped producing estrogen, the hormone that helps absorb calcium needed for maintaining bone mass. Other factors contributing to this debilitating illness are prolonged treatment with corticosteroids, and lack of exercise. Osteoporosis is also common among smokers, drinkers, and those who suffer from chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Osteoporosis can be prevented if steps are taken early in life (preferably before 30 years of age). If left too late, the thinning of the bones may become irreversible.