--- title: Osteoporosis date: 2021-06-09T13:31:00-05:00 author: Click Rain Admin canonical_url: "https://www.schneckmed.org/conditions/osteoporosis" section: Conditions --- ![Older patient holding his lower back in front of a doctor pointing at a spine diagram](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Conditions/_50x19_crop_center-center_none/23-Schneck_Osteoporosis_Hero_1550x600.jpg) # Osteoporosis According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 200 million people had osteoporosis in 2017. ## **What is Osteoporosis?** Osteoporosis is a bone-weakening condition that increases susceptibility to hip, wrist, and spine [fractures](https://www.schneckmed.org/medical-services/orthopedics/fractures). With age, there is a natural decline in bone density, making bones more fragile. If not addressed, osteoporosis poses a significant risk of fractures due to the diminished strength of bones over time. ## Osteoporosis Symptoms Symptoms of osteoporosis don't usually show up until a fracture occurs. Still, individuals may notice altered posture, shortness of breath, or lower [back pain](https://www.schneckmed.org/conditions/back-pain). These signs show possible bone density issues. Routine bone density tests are essential for early detection. Individuals over 65 or those with a family history of osteoporosis are particularly susceptible. This proactive approach helps identify the condition before fractures develop. ![older patient talking to doctor](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Conditions/_40x50_fit_center-center_none/23-Schneck_Osteoporosis_RichContentBlock_750x450.jpg) ## **What Causes Osteoporosis?** Osteoporosis stems from the natural decrease in bone regrowth. Various factors, including family history, [smoking](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog/the-great-american-smokeout), specific health conditions, medications, and [dietary habits](https://www.schneckmed.org/medical-services/nutrition-services), contribute to risk. Identifying these risk factors is crucial for proactive prevention measures. ## Osteoporosis Testing and Diagnosis The diagnosis of osteoporosis involves a bone density test known as DEXA or DXA scans. These outpatient imaging procedures use X-rays to assess bone strength and mineral content. Regular [screenings](https://www.schneckmed.org/medical-services/screenings) increase the likelihood of timely intervention and appropriate management. ![older man grabbing his right wrist in pain](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Conditions/_40x50_fit_center-center_none/23-Schneck_Osteoporosis_RichContentBlock_750x450-2.jpg) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)## Your Providers Schneck [providers](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors?service=Internal-Medicine) encourage regular checkups for vigilant monitoring. We offer personalized preventive measures and tailored treatments for optimal osteoporosis management. ![Headshot of Rebecca Darlage NP](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/RebeccaDarlageNP-3x3.jpg) ### Rebecca Darlage, NP Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/rebecca-darlage) ![headshot of Micah Fischer, DO](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/MicahFischer-3x3.jpg) ### Micah Fischer, DO Hospitalist, Primary Care, Pediatrics [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/micah-fischer) ![Donna Foster](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DonnaFoster-copy.jpg) ### Donna P. Foster, ANP-BC Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/donna-p-foster) ![Man's professional headshot](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DSC_2364-copy.jpg) ### Grant J. Olsen, MD Primary Care, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/grant-j-olsen) ![Erin Rammel](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/ErinRammel01-3x3-copy.jpg) ### Erin L. Stuckwish, FNP-C Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/erin-l-rammel) ![Terri Agan](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/TerriAgan.jpg) ### Terri J. Agan, FNP-C Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/terri-j-agan) ![Doctor Baker](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrBaker.jpg) ### D. Robert Baker, MD Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/d-robert-baker) ![Bret Cornn](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/BretCornn.jpg) ### Bret A. Cornn, PA-C Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/bret-a-cornn) ![Rhonda Fountain](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/RhondaFountain.jpg) ### Rhonda L. Fountain, FNP-C Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/rhonda-l-fountain) ![Doctor Hartung](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrHartung.jpg) ### David J. Hartung, DO Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/david-j-hartung) ![Doctor Ryan Hennessy](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrRyanHennessy.jpg) ### Ryan S. Hennessy, MD Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/ryan-s-hennessy) ![Doctor Rebecca Hennessy](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrRebeccaHennessy.jpg) ### Rebecca R. Hennessy, MD Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/rebecca-r-hennessy) ![](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/ProfVelvet-copy.jpg) ### Velvet M. Schmidt, AGPCNP-C, FNP-BC Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/velvet-m-schmidt) ![Dr. Desha Secrest](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DashaSecrest4-3x3.jpg) ### Desha Secrest, MD Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/desha-secrest) ![Kirby Stacks](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/KirbyStacks-copy.jpg) ### Kirby E. Stacks, NP-C Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/kirby-e-stacks) ![Dr Stephanie Williams](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrStephanieWilliams-300x300.jpg) ### Stephanie Williams, DO Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/stephanie-williams) [View All Providers](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors) ## **Osteoporosis Treatment** Managing osteoporosis involves slowing bone loss and strengthening existing bone tissue. Treatment approaches include [exercise](https://www.schneckmed.org/medical-services/lifestyle-medicine), supplements like calcium and vitamin D, and medications, including hormone therapies. A combination of treatment options ensures patients receive comprehensive care. ## Seek Osteoporosis Solutions at Schneck Discover personalized osteoporosis solutions at [Schneck Internal Medicine](https://www.schneckmed.org/medical-services/internal-medicine) and [Schneck Primary Care](https://www.schneckmed.org/medical-services/primary-care). Schedule regular appointments and bone density tests for proactive, long-term management. Whether you're over 65, have a family history, or notice symptoms, trust Schneck for supportive bone health care. [Call 812-524-4265](tel:812-524-4265)