Final answer:
Osteoporosis is a disorder where bones lose calcium leading to weakened, brittle bones, resulting in an increased risk of fractures. Symptoms include back pain, loss of height, and stooped posture, and it is diagnosed by measuring bone density. It is most common in the elderly due to an imbalance in bone remodeling.
Step-by-step explanation:
Osteoporosis is a disorder characterized by weakened bones that become spongy and brittle due to a loss of calcium. This condition can lead to symptoms such as back pain, a gradual loss of height, and a stooped posture. Moreover, since the bones are weakened, fractures are a major concern, and they can occur from minor stress or even spontaneously. Osteoporosis is particularly common in elderly individuals and results from an imbalance between bone resorption and formation during the bone remodeling process, which is a natural part of aging.
Osteoporosis Diagnosis and Concerns
Diagnosis of osteoporosis is often made by measuring bone density and comparing it to normal peak levels. Because fractures are the most dangerous aspect of osteoporosis, they represent a significant health risk, potentially leading to further complications despite the condition itself not being directly fatal. Therapeutic strategies for treating osteoporosis may target specific bone cells to correct the underlying imbalance of bone remodeling.