If you're post-menopausal, you're at an increased risk for osteoporosis. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to tell when you're developing the condition. Often times, the more mild symptoms of osteoporosis are ignored, or cast aside a being caused by something else altogether. If you suspect that you may be suffering from osteoporosis, you need to schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. In addition, you need to also be paying attention to the warning signs associated with osteoporosis. Here are three of those signs that you should be looking for.
Recurrent Back Pain
If you've been suffering from recurrent back pain, it's time to talk to your doctor. You might not realize this, but recurrent back pain can be an indication that you're suffering from osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can cause your vertebrae to collapse onto each other. When that happens, the nerves that intertwine throughout your spinal column can become pinched. As a result, you may experience excruciating pain that is present for several days. The pain can return whenever you overexert yourself. If you're experiencing this type of back pain, you should get tested for osteoporosis.
Increased Occurrence of Fractures
If you have osteoporosis, you're at an increased risk of fractures, especially in the back, hips, neck, and arms. Unfortunately, you won't always know that you've experienced a fracture. You'll just know that you're experiencing an unusual amount of pain. If you've been suffering from an increased number of bone fractures, you need to get tested for osteoporosis.
Loss of Height
If you've been feeling like you're shrinking, you might be, especially if you suffer from osteoporosis. Many people don't realize that osteoporosis can lead to a significant loss of height. This happens when the spaces between the vertebrae collapse onto each other. If you're suddenly shorten than people you used to be taller than, or your pants are suddenly too long on you, you should consult with your doctor as soon as possible.
Presence of a Dowagers Hump
If you've begun to notice that you're walking with a stoop, or that you're developing a hump on the upper portion of your back, you're developing what's known as a "dowager's Hump." The dowager's hump is one of the most obvious signs of osteoporosis. A dowager hump can cause severe pain in the neck and back regions of your body. It can also lead to a more significant loss of height.
If you've gone through menopause, and you're noticing any of the signs listed above, now's the time to talk to your doctor about osteoporosis. Treatment options are available, like Radius, that can help you avoid future complications associated with osteoporosis.
