Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones. In this condition, your bone mass and density may go below normal levels, causing the bones to weaken or break. A simple fall or a jerk from a sneeze can also cause potential damage to the bones.

The pain associated with this disease can be intense and can cause a lot of discomfort; so much so that it may compromise your muscle movement. Weak, brittle bones can lead to a restricted range of motion, making it difficult for you to carry out daily tasks.

Let’s take a look at a few complications associated with osteoporosis:

1. Colles’ fracture
Osteoporosis damages the bones to an extent that they may turn hollow from the inside. This not only causes pain and limited range of motion, but also makes you more prone to fractures. This illness could easily cause a wrist fracture, which is known as Colles’ fracture.

2. Vertebral compression fracture
While pain and discomfort in certain bones is common among osteoporosis patients, fractures are one of the major complexities of the illness. When the vertebrae go hollow after a period of time, it is quite possible to experience fractures in that region. It can happen while performing daily chores, such as bending, lifting heavy objects, jogging, etc.

3. Degenerative kyphosis
In case of this illness, the rectangular shape of the vertebrae may turn into a wedge, which not only influences the shape of the spine, but also makes it more prone to fractures. A hunched or stooped posture due to osteoporosis is known as degenerative kyphosis. It is the front that gets a forward hunch, while the back usually stays intact. This condition can make it difficult for you to balance your own weight.

4. Paget’s disease
When a bone is cracked or fractured, the body heals it by growing new bones. But for an individual with Paget’s disease, this process is usually much faster and the bone can take any odd shape. Additionally, these newly built bones may be brittle, weak, bent, and may be easily prone to arthritis. This disease causes an increased blood flow to the bones, and can, therefore, lead to heart failure. Patients with underlying heart conditions may be at a greater risk for Paget’s disease.

5. Dowager’s hump
This condition occurs when the spine bends forward, thereby changing your posture. It might start with fat depositing at the base of the neck, which changes the position of the head. This might push your head forward, which, in non-medical terms, is known as the buffalo hump. This hump can further progress and turn the spine into an arc, which is known as the Dowager’s hump.