osteoporosis on one side

Overview

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become thinner and more fragile. When it seems to affect one side of the body more than the other, it is not a separate illness — it simply means that one hip, wrist, or spine area may break or cause pain first. This can happen because you favour one side, after an old injury, or by chance. The underlying bone thinning affects the whole skeleton, but you may notice symptoms mainly on one side.

Yes, osteoporosis is very common worldwide, especially in adults over 50. It affects millions of people, more often women after menopause, but many men also develop it.

It mostly affects older adults, particularly women after menopause due to lower oestrogen. Men can also get it, typically over age 70. Younger people can have it too if they have certain medical conditions, use some medicines, or have poor nutrition.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• No symptoms at all until a fracture occurs
• Back pain, often felt on one side, which may be due to a tiny spinal fracture
• Loss of height over time
• A stooped posture
• A wrist, hip, or other bone that breaks more easily than expected after a minor fall

Symptoms in children

• Osteoporosis is very rare in children. If a child has fragile bones, it is usually due to an underlying medical problem like osteogenesis imperfecta or long-term steroid use.
• Possible signs include bone pain, repeated fractures from minor injuries, or difficulty walking.
• Any concerns about a child's bone health should be reviewed by a paediatric specialist.

Symptoms in older adults

• Fractures of the hip, wrist, or upper arm are common after a fall, and these often happen on one side.
• New or worsening back pain may signal a spinal fracture, even without a clear injury.
• Loss of height or a curved spine are noticeable signs that bones have weakened.

Causes

Main causes

• Age-related bone loss: as you age, bone breakdown outpaces new bone formation
• Oestrogen drop after menopause speeds up bone thinning in women
• Low levels of calcium or vitamin D over many years
• Not enough weight-bearing exercise, which normally helps keep bones strong
• Using certain medicines for a long time, such as corticosteroids
• Favouring one side of the body (for example, after an old injury) may make that side weaker, but the underlying osteoporosis affects all bones

Risk factors

• Being female, especially over 50
• Being over 70
• Low body weight or a small frame
• Family history of osteoporosis or broken hip
• Smoking or heavy alcohol use
• Low dietary calcium or vitamin D
• Sedentary lifestyle or bed rest
• Certain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, or digestive problems that affect nutrient absorption
• Long-term use of corticosteroid medicines

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have sudden severe back pain or hip pain after a fall or even without injury
• You cannot put any weight on a leg or foot
• You suspect a broken bone after a minor bump

Book a routine appointment if:

• You are over 50 and have several risk factors for osteoporosis
• You have lost height or notice your posture is more hunched
• You have taken steroid medicines for several months
• You have had a previous fracture from a minor fall, especially if you are over 50

Diagnosis

Doctors usually use a bone density test called a DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). It measures how strong your bones are, typically at the hip and lower spine. Because osteoporosis affects all bones, a scan will show the overall picture, even if you only feel symptoms on one side.

Tests that may be done

• DEXA bone density scan (painless, low radiation X-ray)
• Blood tests to rule out other causes of bone loss, such as thyroid or calcium problems
• X-rays if a fracture is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

The DEXA scan is simple: you lie fully clothed on a padded table while a scanning arm passes over you. It takes about 10–30 minutes. Your doctor will explain the results, which are given as a 'T-score'. A score of -2.5 or lower means osteoporosis. Your doctor will then talk to you about treatment and lifestyle changes.

Treatment

Treating osteoporosis aims to slow bone loss, strengthen bone tissue, and prevent fractures. The plan usually combines lifestyle changes with enough calcium and vitamin D, and sometimes prescribed medication. If you already had a fracture, treatment also helps with pain and recovery.

Self-care at home

• Do weight-bearing exercises like walking, dancing, or gentle jogging to help keep bones strong
• Add balance and strength training to reduce falls — a physical therapist can design a safe plan
• Ensure you get enough calcium and vitamin D from food or supplements as advised by your doctor
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol to 2 or fewer drinks a day
• Make your home safer by removing tripping hazards, using handrails, and improving lighting

Medical treatments

If your bone density is very low or you have already had a fracture, your doctor may prescribe medication. There are several types: those that slow bone breakdown and those that help build new bone. They come as pills, injections, or infusions. Your doctor will recommend what is safest and most appropriate for your age, health, and preferences. Always tell your doctor about any other medicines you take and ask about possible side effects.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat osteoporosis itself, but it may be needed to repair a broken bone. For example, a hip fracture often requires surgery to fix the bone or replace part of the hip. Spinal fractures may require a procedure called vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty in some cases, but this is not common. Your doctor will discuss options if you have a fracture.

Living with this condition

You can live an active, full life with osteoporosis. The key is to protect your bones while still doing things you enjoy. This means being mindful of your environment, wearing supportive shoes, and using good body mechanics when lifting or bending. If you have pain, talk to your doctor about safe ways to manage it.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption
• Aim for 30 minutes of activity most days, including balance work like tai chi or yoga
• Get enough sleep and manage stress, as chronic stress can affect bone health
• Have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your bone density

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium — like dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods — and get vitamin D from sunlight, oily fish, and fortified products. Your doctor may recommend supplements if you are not getting enough. For exercise, focus on weight-bearing activities (walking, stair climbing) and resistance training (light weights or resistance bands). Avoid high-impact or high-risk exercises if your bones are already very fragile.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is natural to feel anxious or sad when you learn you have osteoporosis. Fear of falling or breaking a bone can make you want to stop being active, which actually makes things worse. Talk to your doctor or a counsellor about your feelings. Support from family and friends is also very valuable.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent osteoporosis, but you can lower your risk and slow its progression. Eating well, staying active, avoiding smoking, and keeping alcohol low all help. It is never too late to start protecting your bones — even after a diagnosis, you can take meaningful steps.

Screening programmes

Your doctor may recommend a bone density test if you are over 65, or younger if you have risk factors like early menopause, a previous fracture, or long-term steroid use. Follow your local health service guidance.

Complications

If left untreated

• Fractures from minor bumps or falls, especially in the hip, wrist, or spine
• Chronic pain and limited mobility after a fracture
• Loss of independence and difficulty doing everyday activities
• Spinal fractures can lead to height loss, a stooped posture, and breathing or digestive problems in severe cases
• Hip fractures often require surgery and a long recovery, and they can increase the risk of other health problems

Long-term outlook

There is good reason to be hopeful. With modern treatment, many people with osteoporosis stay active and independent well into old age. Medications can significantly reduce the risk of fractures, and simple lifestyle changes help a great deal. The most important step is working with your healthcare provider to create a plan that is right for you.

Find support

International organisations

• International Osteoporosis Foundation ↗

Local organisations

• Your national osteoporosis society (ask your doctor or local health service) · Various

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