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Your bone health
Understanding osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is common, often silent, and — with the right information — very manageable. Here's what it is and what you can do about it.
Understanding osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is often called a "silent disease." It develops without noticeable symptoms, and many people only discover they have it after a fracture. This serious event that can lead to chronic pain, disability, and even loss of independence.
Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break, even from minor falls or everyday activities. The most common fractures occur in the hip, spine, and wrist.
The good news: Osteoporosis can be prevented and managed. With early detection and proper screening, people at risk can take proactive steps to protect and strengthen their bones.
A common but overlooked condition
According to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, an estimated 10 million Americans are living with osteoporosis, and another 44 million have low bone density. This places them at increased risk for fractures.
Despite how common it is, osteoporosis often goes undiagnosed until a fracture occurs. It's commonly misunderstood as a condition that only affects older women, but both women and men are at risk.
1 in 3
women over 50 will suffer a fragility fracture3
Getting screened for osteoporosis
Screening plays a key role in early detection. The gold standard for osteoporosis screening is to combine a bone density test with a Trabecular Bone Score® (TBS®) test that looks at bone microarchitecture (the internal structure of the bone), not just how much of it there is.
Both tests are performed at the same time through a DXA scanning machine. Together, they provide a full picture of bone strength and fracture risk.
If tests reveal signs of bone weakness, your physician can recommend lifestyle changes and treatments to help strengthen your bones and prevent fractures.
Boosting bone strength and preventing osteoporosis
It's never too early — or too late — to protect your bone health. A few simple but powerful steps:
- Eat a bone-friendly diet: Include plenty of calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin K, and zinc
- Exercise regularly: Focus on weight-bearing and strength-training exercises to improve bone density and mobility
- Avoid harmful habits: Quit smoking and limit alcohol, both of which can weaken bones
Take the next step
If you're concerned about your bone health, speak with your physician about osteoporosis screening and prevention strategies. Early action can make a real difference in maintaining strong, healthy bones and reducing fracture risk.
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.