The Long and Short of Vertebral Fractures
Vertebral compression fractures, occurring when the weakened bones of the spine collapse, may be the most visible indicator of osteoporosis

One in three women over the age of 50 will suffer a vertebral fracture that can cause acute or chronic pain, height loss and stooped shoulders commonly referred to as a "dowager's hump"

Vertebral fractures can cause gastrointestinal and respiratory problems, depression and loss of self-esteem

Getting Hip to the Risks for Fracture
According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), the most significant risk factors for fracture are low Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in patients without fractures and prior fractures from everyday activity. Factors linked to an increased risk for hip fractures include:

Family history of osteoporosis

Older age

Weight loss or low body weight

Cigarette smoking

Increased likelihood of falls

Tallness

An Ounce of Prevention…
In The 2001 AACE Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for the Prevention and Management of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis, AACE outlines recommendations for strengthening bones to reduce fracture risk, including: