What will happen if osteoporosis is left untreated?

(Angela M. Bell/ Healthline) –– Untreated osteoporosis leads to weak and brittle bones that make people more susceptible to fractures. That’s when a person may notice symptoms of osteoporosis.

Compression fractures are the most common type of fracture associated with osteoporosis. These fractures are breaks in the vertebrae that can eventually cause the vertebrae to collapse. This can lead to a loss of height and abnormal curvature in the spine (kyphosis).

Compression fractures can evolve slowly. They may be discovered incidentally during imaging tests (such as with an X-ray) for a separate health concern. However, these fractures can also cause a sudden onset of pain, especially after coughing, bending, laughing, or even driving over a speed bump. (…)