What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that slowly, quietly weakens bones, often going undiagnosed – even when it breaks them. Osteoporosis is caused by low bone mass and the weakening of bone, which can lead to increased risk of fracture. At Osteoporosis Canada, we’re on a mission to defeat it.

The risk of having a major fracture from osteoporosis in Canada is among the highest in the world – in the top quarter. Each year 30,000 Canadians break their hip, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Many more Canadians suffer osteoporotic fractures of the spine, wrist, shoulder and pelvis.

Osteoporosis Canada recommends combining the results of Bone Mineral Density (BMD) testing with some very important clinical risk factors. This leads to a much better and more accurate method of predicting a person’s risk of fracture.

For those living with osteoporosis, there are a variety of treatment options available.  Everyone is different – some people respond better to one drug than another, while some experience side effects that others don’t. You may need to explore several treatment options before you find one that works for you.

It is common to feel anxious about your health or lifestyle when diagnosed with osteoporosis – feelings of loneliness, depression and helplessness are all very common. At Osteoporosis Canada, we are here to help you.