MU Health Care provides expert osteoporosis diagnosis and personalized treatment plans to help protect your bone strength and lower your risk of injury.

Osteoporosis causes bones to become thin and weak, making them more likely to break — even from small movements or minor falls. 

This condition often develops without symptoms, so many people don’t realize they have it until they experience one or more fractures. 

Osteoporosis is common, especially in older adults and postmenopausal women, but it can affect people of all ages. 

At MU Health Care, our dedicated Bone Health Program is one of the few in the region offering focused, team-based care for all bone conditions — including complex cases.

Whether you’re at risk, newly diagnosed or managing osteoporosis long-term, our orthopaedic specialists, dietitians, physical therapists and other experts at MU Health Care can provide the care you need, all under one roof. 

Together, we support your bone health, help reduce your risk of fractures and keep you moving safely and comfortably.

Osteoporosis Symptoms

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent” disease — most people don’t know they have it until a bone breaks. However, there are signs to watch for:

• Back pain: Sudden or ongoing back pain may be caused by a spinal (vertebral) fracture.
• Bone fractures from minor injuries: You may break a bone from a light fall, coughing or lifting something small.
• Fractures in otherwise “strong” bones: Hips, wrists or ribs may break more easily than expected.
• Height loss: Getting shorter over time can be a sign of collapsed vertebrae.
• Posture changes: A curved upper back (also known as a dowager’s hump) may appear after repeated spine fractures.
• Trouble breathing deeply: As the spine curves, it may make it harder to take full, comfortable breaths.

When to Seek Care for Osteoporosis

If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms above — or if osteoporosis is affecting your daily life — talk to your care team. You should also check in if you have a family history of osteoporosis or previous fractures, even if you feel fine. 

Osteoporosis can cause serious problems over time. An evaluation at MU Health Care can help protect your bone health for the future.

Causes of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis can develop for many reasons — and it’s often more than one. 

Common risk factors include:

• Age: Bone loss happens naturally as we get older.
• Body type: Smaller frames and lower body weight mean you start with less bone mass.
• Diet: Not getting enough calcium, vitamin D or protein can weaken bones over time.
• Family history: A parent with osteoporosis or a hip fracture increases your own risk.
• Hormones: Low estrogen in women and low testosterone in men can both affect bone strength.
• Lifestyle: Smoking, heavy alcohol use and low physical activity can all contribute to bone loss.
• Medications: Certain medicines like long-term steroids can reduce bone density.
• Medical conditions: Some diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid disorders affect how your body builds bone.
• Periods of inactivity: Your bones need movement to stay strong. Long-term bed rest or inactivity can increase risk.

How We Diagnose Osteoporosis

We take a thorough approach to identifying osteoporosis and assessing your fracture risk, especially after a low-impact injury. Our Bone Health Program and Fracture Liaison Service combine advanced screening, testing and evaluation to guide your care.

We may use several tests to confirm an osteoporosis diagnosis, such as: 

• Bone density scan (DXA): This quick and painless test measures bone strength in your spine and hips. It’s the most accurate tool for diagnosing osteoporosis.
• Lab tests: Blood or urine tests can help rule out other causes of bone loss.
• Medical history and physical exam: We’ll review your fracture risk, height changes and any spine tenderness.
• X-rays: May show fractures even if you haven’t had pain.

How We Treat Osteoporosis

At MU Health Care, we focus on preventing future fractures and helping you stay active for the long term. 

Through our Bone Health Program, you’ll get coordinated care from a team of specialists in orthopaedics, endocrinology, nutrition and physical and occupational therapy. 

We personalize every treatment plan based on your DXA scan results, risk factors and medical history. Depending on your needs, your treatment may include:

Lifestyle and Supportive Therapies

• Fall prevention: We assess home safety, balance and vision to help reduce your fall risk.
• Nutrition counseling: Our dietitians help you get the right levels of calcium, vitamin D and protein.
• Physical therapy: Targeted exercises improve bone strength, balance and mobility.
• Tobacco and alcohol counseling: Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol can help protect your bones.

Medications for Osteoporosis

• Anabolic medications: Help build new bone and are often used for people with higher fracture risk.
• Antiresorptive medications: Help slow bone loss and may include bisphosphonates or denosumab.

Why Choose MU Health Care for Osteoporosis Care

• Access to a dedicated Bone Health Program: We’re one of the few centers in the region focused specifically on diagnosing and treating bone loss.
• Expert care from every angle: Our endocrinology, orthopaedics, nutrition and physical therapy teams work closely to provide complete bone health support.
• Fracture Liaison Service: After a fracture, we look beyond the break to evaluate your risk and prevent future injuries.
• Pelvic fracture expertise: We offer advanced surgical and nonsurgical options to treat fragility fractures of the pelvis.
• Research-based treatment: As part of an academic health system, we help set the standard for the latest clinical guidelines on expert, evidence-based care.