Are all bone breakages because of osteoporosis or could there be another cause/causes?

It just goes to prove more research is needed to really understand why some people break bones and others do not.

I have stopped telling people to have bone density scans as it has really not changed anything for me except for more awareness on my part and attention to diet and exercise.

Maybe we just need to tell people to do all they can to protect their bones but to do this more information is needed.

Well it seems to me there's a lot we don't know about nutrition and lifestyle and if osteoporosis is a disease of well off countries, along with a host of other illnesses, then looking at that might be a place to start.

And not just OP but these unexplained fractures, etc.

Maybe, maybe not Anhaga. Apart from being more or less directly caused by HAVING certain illnesses or indirectly by the TREATMENTS for other other illnesses, the vast majority of OP diagnoses are in the over 50 age group. In the less developed countries the average life- expectancy is often the the 40-50 years range. Possibly then diet has little to do with the development of OP and more to do with ageing . . .????

 Very good point Juno

Kathleen. A dexa scan is not a treatment. It is given to diagnose bone density so we can hopefully change our diet/ lifestyle/ exercise regime, take supplements or medication and hopefully prevent further decline of our bones. For years I thought my bones were fine. They obviously were not and a dexa scan probably saved me from further breaks and possibly even saved my life.

Hi Alison

Like you I thought that my bones were fine until I was shocked by my dexa scan results. I've concentrated on trying to improve my bone strength through exercise and diet and feel fitter than I have done for ages. I've asked my doctor to book another scan for me to see whether my scores have improved. It seems to me that there are so many reasons why we are diagnosed with osteoporosis we should not worry about why but how we can get stronger and keep enjoying active lives for as long as possible.

Exactly Soozib. If it had not been for the dexa we could have been in an even worse condition before OP was detected. Forearmed is forewarned ( not sure thats how it is spelt) but knowing and acknowledging means we can decide how to proceed. I could not change my diet but did up the exercise a bit. I have always exercised. Started on the meds ad like you, feel fine.

I agree we should be given far more information and guidance about caring for our skeleton during the years we are still building bone. Everything I did for my bone health up until I was put on prednisone was my own initiative and since then advice from professionals I deal with directly has been minimal. I still think modern ways of living and eating haven't helped us and in many cases may trigger the diseases which increase likelihood of bone problems.