osteoporosis day of procedure tips

Overview

Osteoporosis means your bones become weak and are more likely to break. A procedure is any medical test or treatment you have, such as an X-ray, a scan, an injection, or surgery. This page gives you simple tips to help you stay safe and comfortable on the day of your procedure.

Yes, osteoporosis is very common. In the UK, about 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.

It most often affects women after the menopause, but men and younger people can also have it. You are more at risk if you have a family history, take certain medicines, or have low calcium and vitamin D.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Most people with osteoporosis have no symptoms until a fracture happens.
• Some people notice back pain, a stooped posture, or losing height over time.
• On the day of a procedure, you may feel nervous – that is normal, and your care team is there to help.

Symptoms in children

• Children can rarely have osteoporosis, usually because of an underlying health problem. It is not something you should worry about without your doctor saying so.

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, even a small slip or landing awkwardly can break a bone, often in the hip, wrist, or spine.
• If you have osteoporosis, a fall can also lead to a long hospital stay and loss of independence.

Causes

Main causes

• Bone loss increases after the menopause due to lower oestrogen levels.
• Some long-term medicines, like steroids, can also weaken bones.
• Not getting enough calcium and vitamin D, or having low body weight, raises your risk.

Risk factors

• Being over 50
• Being female and past the menopause
• Having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis
• Smoking or drinking more than the recommended alcohol limit
• Being very thin or having a small frame

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have just had a procedure and the pain is much worse than expected, or you develop a high temperature, call your doctor or your local emergency number if it is severe.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Talk to your doctor before any planned procedure. Ask about how to manage your osteoporosis medicines and whether you need any extra checks.
• If you have not had a bone density test and you are over 65 for women (or 70 for men) or have risk factors, ask about one.

Diagnosis

Osteoporosis is diagnosed with a painless bone density scan (called a DEXA scan). It measures the strength of your bones, usually in your hip and lower spine.

Tests that may be done

• DEXA bone density scan
• Blood tests to check for calcium, vitamin D, or thyroid problems
• A 'fracture risk assessment' tool to estimate your risk of breaking a bone

What to expect at your appointment

For a DEXA scan, you lie fully clothed on a padded table while a small scanner moves over your body. It takes about 10 to 20 minutes. It is safe, quick, and you will not feel anything.

Treatment

Treatment for osteoporosis aims to strengthen your bones and stop fractures. It usually includes healthy eating, exercise, fall prevention, and sometimes a bone medicine.

Self-care at home

• Make your home safe: remove loose rugs, brighten hallways, and put non-slip mats in the bathroom.
• Wear supportive shoes with rubber soles.
• Do gentle weight-bearing exercise like walking, dancing, or using light hand weights – but only if your doctor says it is safe.
• Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as dairy, green vegetables, and fortified cereals.
• Stop smoking and limit alcohol to protect your bones.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may recommend a medicine to slow down bone loss or to help build new bone. These come as tablets, injections, or sometimes an infusion in a clinic. The right medicine depends on your age, bone density, and other health issues. Always tell your care team exactly what you take, and ask how to take it on the day of your procedure.

When is surgery considered?

If you have broken a bone, especially a hip or a spine bone, surgery may be needed. For example, hip fracture surgery can help you walk again, and a spinal procedure can stabilise a collapsed bone. Your surgeon will explain the options and how to prepare.

Living with this condition

On the day of your procedure, wear loose, comfortable clothes and flat shoes. Bring your medicine list, a list of any allergies, and the contact name of your doctor. Let the staff know about your osteoporosis so they can move you carefully and help you avoid falls.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep active with low-impact exercise like swimming or cycling if your bones are weak.
• Do balance exercises – like standing on one foot or tai chi – to help prevent falls.
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods.
• Get enough vitamin D from safe sunlight and food sources like eggs or oily fish.
• Ask your GP about a 'home safety check' if you have fallen before.

Diet and exercise

Calcium is the main building block for bone. Good sources include milk, cheese, yogurt, and fortified plant drinks. Vitamin D helps your body use calcium – get a little sunlight on your skin each day and eat foods like salmon and eggs. Exercise that makes your body bear weight – like brisk walking or dancing – also helps bones stay strong. Always check with your care team before starting a new exercise routine.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with osteoporosis can sometimes make you feel anxious or fearful of falling. You might start staying at home more. These feelings are very common. Talking to someone you trust, or a counsellor, can help you feel more in control.

Prevention

You cannot stop osteoporosis completely if you are at risk, but you can lower your chances of fractures by staying active, eating well, not smoking, and treating bone-weakening conditions early.

Screening programmes

Screening with a DEXA scan is available for people at higher risk. It looks for weak bones before they cause a fracture. Ask your doctor if you should be screened.

Complications

If left untreated

• Untreated osteoporosis can lead to broken bones, often from simple falls.
• Spinal fractures can cause chronic back pain and a curved spine.
• A hip fracture can mean surgery and a long recovery, and some older people lose their independence.

Long-term outlook

With good care, you can heal, stay active, and reduce your risk of future breaks. Many people with osteoporosis live full, independent lives. Your healthcare team is there to help you at every step.

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