Osteoporosis is a serious health condition that affects over three million people across the world every year. Osteoporosis causes bones to progressively weaken and become brittle, meaning that patients run the risk of fractures and other serious injury. While there is no cure for this condition, there are a variety of treatments that can protect bones and joints and help improve quality of life for patients.

The following are five early symptoms to be aware of when it comes to osteoporosis:

1. Notable decreases in strength

Decreased strength is one of the first signs that a person may be suffering from osteoporosis. This can become apparent when the individual is attempting to transition from sitting to standing, and lacks the strength to get up without using their hands to push off of the chair. Low grip strength is another common signal that something may be wrong, as well as an inability to carry everyday items such as grocery bags.

2. Posture issues

A common telltale sign of bone disease like osteoporosis is a continuously stooped posture. This stooped posture is also referred to as “dowager’s hump”. This develops over time as the vertebrae become fractured. As these injuries occur, they cause a curved spine, leading to a “hunch backed” appearance, leaving the individual permanently disfigured.

3. Increased occurrence of fractures

Healthy bones are able to withstand a good amount of wear and tear before becoming fractured or seriously injured. If a simple misstep or injury results in severe fracture with very little force involved, there’s a good chance there is something more serious going on. Fractures that occur more easily than expected are some of the first signs of osteoporosis. The most common types of fractures that occur with osteoporosis include hip, spine, and wrist fractures. In fact, osteoporosis is often diagnosed as a result of a patient getting scans during treatment of a fracture.

4. Receding gum line

Periodontal gum disease is one of the most common concerns for those who are diagnosed with osteoporosis. Because this disease causes bones to weaken and become easily damaged, the bone loss can cause receding gums and other dental issues. Tooth loss, as well as the loss of jawbone density, are common issues often associated with osteoporosis.

5. Unexplained bone pain

It should come as no surprise that the decaying of bone matter and density can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort to the person who is experiencing it. Sometimes, a person who experiences unexplained bone pain may be misdiagnosed with a variety of other ailments, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, hyperthyroidism, multiple sclerosis, and even asthma. It is important to receive a correct diagnosis in order to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

While there is no cure for osteoporosis, medicine and technological advancements have greatly improved the quality of life of those who are diagnosed. By paying close attention to early onset symptoms and receiving the appropriate diagnosis, those with the disease are better able to deal with it.