Does osteoporosis hurt?

Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
Updated on May 19, 2025
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The clinical manifestations of osteoporosis include three main points. The first is pain, thus osteoporosis will definitely cause pain. This pain may be localized or it may be widespread. The second is spinal deformation, which can result in forward bending of the spine, scoliosis, or even spinal shortening, which is a reduction in height. The third point is pathological fractures, which are characteristic of osteoporosis. These fractures occur due to insufficient bone strength caused by osteoporosis, and sometimes even low energy or minor external forces can cause fractures, such as pulling a door or being struck by a car door. Therefore, osteoporosis definitely involves pain, and pain is one of the main symptoms of osteoporosis.

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Written by Xie Yi Song
Orthopedics
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Can people with osteoporosis eat vinegar?

Although vinegar is acidic, the human body has a strong fluid buffering system, so as long as it is not consumed in excess, there is no need to worry that vinegar will disrupt the body's acid-base balance. There is also no evidence to suggest that osteoporosis patients cannot consume vinegar. Osteoporosis patients can consume vinegar normally as long as they do not have contraindications like gastrointestinal ulcers. Similarly, the external use of vinegar will not affect the body's acid-base balance, nor will it lead to osteoporosis. Vinegar, as a food or medicine, not only does not cause osteoporosis, but moderate amounts can also promote the absorption and utilization of calcium. This is because vinegar reacts chemically with calcium in food, forming calcium acetate, which is soluble in water and easily absorbed by the human body.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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What to do about osteoporosis pain?

After osteoporosis leads to pain, we first need to clarify which part of the body the pain is located, or what causes the pain. If the pain is solely due to osteoporosis, such as decreased bone density in the limbs causing soreness and weakness, it is appropriate to supplement with calcium and vitamin D while also enhancing exercise to alleviate the pain. If the pain is due to fractures caused by osteoporosis, such as vertebral compression fractures or rib fractures, the fractures should first be repositioned, immobilized, and stabilized. Additionally, medications that treat osteoporosis should be used, such as those that inhibit bone resorption and promote bone formation.

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Written by Luo Han Ying
Endocrinology
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How much calcium should be supplemented daily for osteoporosis?

Every day, the calcium requirement for the human body is 800mg for adults. For patients diagnosed with osteoporosis, the daily calcium supplementation required is between 1000mg and 1200mg. There are many calcium formulations on the market, such as calcium carbonate, liquid calcium, and calcium citrate. Each manufacturer produces different types of calcium, and the content of trace elements of calcium varies, so it cannot be generalized. Therefore, patients with osteoporosis who buy different types of calcium should follow the instructions of different medications when taking them. In addition to calcium supplementation, patients with osteoporosis must also remember to supplement with vitamin D daily.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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How is osteoporosis treated?

Osteoporosis refers to a decline in bone density and quality, increasing brittleness and potentially leading to systemic skeletal diseases. Once osteoporosis occurs, it is crucial to appropriately supplement inorganic salts that promote bone formation, as the structure composed of inorganic salts and collagen in the bones changes. Dietary intake should be enhanced with foods rich in calcium, and it is equally important to supplement with Vitamin D, as the absorption of calcium is facilitated by Vitamin D. Therefore, not only should calcium be supplemented, but also Vitamin D should be appropriately added. Alongside supplementing calcium and Vitamin D, proper exercise is important, as increased physical activity can help strengthen the bones. If these measures do not alleviate the condition, it may be necessary to investigate whether the issue stems from an obstruction in bone formation or from a problem with bone loss. Determining the cause of osteoporosis in this way, there are also medications available that can alleviate bone loss and promote bone formation, allowing for targeted treatment.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

The main symptom of osteoporosis is pain, including pain in the limbs, spine, and pelvic area. Sometimes, the pain may worsen during activities such as walking. Even light activities like climbing stairs, hiking, or even sneezing can cause fractures due to osteoporosis, leading to increased pain.