My sister has osteoporosis.

I also have osteoporosis but don't have a hunched back,... Yet. As for medical intervention, well the options really suck. All the medication have severe side effects. Doctors, of course, say the results outweigh the side effects. Then there is the treatment for fractured vertebrae, kyphoplasty. This is a procedure where the surgeon injects bone cement into the fractured vertebrae. On rare occasions the doctor gets the cement into the pulmonary artery and from there it travels to the lungs. This can cause significant breathing problems or even death. If she won't see a doctor then at least try to get her to take calcium along with vitamin D every day. Some extra magnesium will also help. BTW steroids can also cause a hunched over appearance. You didn't mention anything else about her health but I thought I would just mention that in case she does or has taken steroids.

That is scoliosis, the bent back. Has she had a dexa scan to know if she has osteoporosis?

vitamin K2 is good as it puts the calcium onto the bones and out of the arteries.

Way to go ankoffee. Lizzie was asking for advice on how to help her sister. Not a lecture on medication! Just the sort of support she needs-NOT! I've done both the natural route and the medication.

I think Lizzie you might find it helpful for you to give the specialist nurses a call at The Royal Osteoporosis Society. It's a free helpline and the nurses are easy to talk to very kind and also very knowledgeable about osteoporosis. There's lots of information on their website which you might find useful. There's a Facebook group called Osteoporosis Support (UK only). The members are there to support you and the family at a difficult time and can advise you on how best to help your sister. Hope that helps. Good luck and hugs

She may be able to help her hunched back by using (Nordic) walking poles. A friend of mine was bent double, and with poles she is able to stand straight. She was a star pupil at a tai chi class, although she can't, because of her condition, use the poles quite the correct way, nevertheless she has found them to be very helpful. It improves your outlook when you can see the world from a reasonably upright position. Good on you for supporting your sister. I hope the two of you can find ways to make life more pleasant.