About osteoporosis

If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you may have lots of questions.

We have information on everything from scans, tests and results, to osteoporosis drug treatments and living with osteoporosis and broken bones.

You can also find the answers to many common questions in our information films. Click the links below to watch our films on osteoporosis and bone health.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become weaker and break easily, even after a minor bump or fall. You might hear these breaks described as fragility fractures. The terms ‘fracture’ and ‘broken bone’ mean the same thing.

Fractures can affect almost any bone, but they are most common in the wrists, hips and spine. It’s these broken bones that can cause pain, rather than osteoporosis itself. Spinal fractures can also cause height loss and a curved spine.

Watch our film to find out more about osteoporosis.

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

If your doctor thinks you may have osteoporosis, they can refer you for a range of scans and tests, to help them find out if your bones have lost strength.

There’s no simple way to look inside your bones, but a combination of different tests can be used to build up a picture of your bone health, and your risk of breaking a bone.

We have lots of information about the various scans and tests on our website. Or you can watch our film to learn how osteoporosis is diagnosed.

How is osteoporosis treated?

How do I keep my bones healthy?

With thanks to the following volunteers and healthcare professionals who helped us develop these films:

• Kay Moore, ROS volunteer
• Bec Hanley, ROS volunteer
• Debbie Janaway, Nurse Consultant for Osteoporosis and Falls
• Dr Kassim Javaid, Associate Professor in Metabolic Bone Disease

These films were generously supported by:

Listen to our popular information leaflets 

Listen to osteoporosis specialist nurses, Claire and Tina, read 'An introduction to osteoporosis' and 'Healthy living for strong bones'. 

'Healthy living for strong bones' includes information about healthy eating, calcium, vitamin D and exercise. 

'An introduction to osteoporosis' includes information about osteoporosis, osteopenia and recovering from broken bones. 

Watch our discussion on understanding your osteoporosis diagnosis: 

Specialist Nurses, Julia and Sarah, explain what it means if you've been told you have osteoporosis and what the future holds. In this session, they look at the changes happening inside bones and how a diagnosis of osteoporosis can have different meanings. They also dispel myths and misunderstandings and help you understand what your diagnosis means for you. This film is part of our #BoneMatters series of events

Watch our discussion about osteoporosis and fractures in younger people:

In this session, we explore osteoporosis and fractures in younger adults with Professor Jennie Walsh. She explains the diagnosis of osteoporosis, the importance of a referral to a specialist before drug treatments are prescribed and managing the underlying condition. This film is part of our #BoneMatters series of events

Online community

The Bone Health and Osteoporosis UK community is a welcoming and safe space for you to share your experiences with others.

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