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Your bone health
Osteoporosis symptoms
Osteoporosis is often silent: Many people don't know their bones have weakened until they break one. Therefore, it's important to recognize the signs.
Early signs of osteoporosis
Early bone loss usually causes no obvious symptoms, but a few subtle signs can hint at weakening bone:
- Receding gums: Loss of bone in the jaw can cause gums to recede
- Weaker grip strength: Reduced hand-grip strength has been linked to lower bone density and a higher risk of falls
- Weak or brittle fingernails: Nail strength may reflect bone health, though nail care and environment play a part, too
Later signs of osteoporosis
As bone mass and quality decline further, more noticeable signs may appear:
- Stooped posture: Compression of the vertebrae can curve the upper back (kyphosis), which may affect comfort and even breathing
- Loss of height: Small compression fractures in the spine can gradually reduce your height (one of the more visible signs)
- Back or neck pain: Collapsed vertebrae can press on nerves, causing anything from mild tenderness to significant pain
- Fractures from minor incidents: Fragile bones can break from something as small as stepping off a curb or a strong cough or sneeze
When to talk to your doctor
If you notice these signs — especially if osteoporosis runs in your family — it's worth speaking with your doctor. Early detection makes a real difference, and a simple bone scan can tell you a lot.
In this guide
Understanding osteoporosis
Symptoms
Risk factors
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Why early detection matters
Understanding TBS®
Find a TBS centre
TBS® is available in 90+ countries. Find a centre and ask if it can be added to your DXA scan.
This content is for educational purposes for healthcare professionals and does not constitute medical advice or clinical guidance. It is not a substitute for the independent judgement of a qualified physician or specialist. Diagnostic and treatment decisions must be individualised to each patient, based on their complete clinical picture, locally applicable guidelines, and the most current evidence, which are determinations only a licensed healthcare provider is positioned to make.
TBS® is available at imaging centres and clinics in 90+ countries. Ask your doctor whether TBS® can be added to your bone density scan.