Bone damage: what causes it and how to protect your bones
Bone damage can sneak up on you. Sometimes it’s a sudden fracture from a fall. Other times it’s slow—loss of density that makes everyday movements risky. You don’t need to be an athlete or elderly to care about this. Knowing the causes, signs, and simple steps to protect your bones makes a big difference.
Common causes and early signs
Bones weaken for a few clear reasons. Long-term corticosteroid use, some anticonvulsant drugs, cancer treatments, and hormonal changes (like menopause) can reduce bone strength. Repeated stress, infections, and direct trauma also cause damage. You might notice persistent bone or joint pain, height loss, a stooped posture, or fractures from minor bumps. If you break a bone after a low-impact fall, that’s a red flag.
Some medications can affect bone health. For example, long-term steroids are well known to thin bones. Research has looked at other drugs too—ask your doctor if a medicine you take could raise risk. Never stop a prescription without medical advice.
How doctors check bone health
The most common test is a DEXA scan (bone density scan). It tells how much bone you’ve lost and helps predict fracture risk. Blood tests for calcium, vitamin D, kidney function, and hormone levels may also be ordered. If you have sudden, unexplained bone pain or repeat fractures, imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) can find structural damage or infections.
Worried about symptoms? Start by talking to your primary care doctor. They can order the right tests and plan next steps based on your results and medical history.
Prevention and treatment usually work together. Simple changes can lower your risk right away.
Practical prevention and treatment steps
Diet: Aim for adequate calcium and vitamin D. Adults commonly need about 1,000–1,200 mg of calcium daily from food and 800–2,000 IU of vitamin D depending on age and blood levels—check with your doctor before starting supplements.
Exercise: Weight-bearing moves (walking, jogging, stair climbing) and strength training help keep bones strong. Balance work—like standing on one leg—reduces fall risk.
Lifestyle: Quit smoking, limit alcohol, and make your home safer (remove trip hazards, add good lighting, use grab rails where needed).
Medications: If you already have low bone density or fractures, doctors may recommend drugs such as bisphosphonates, denosumab, or bone-building agents. These should be prescribed and monitored by a clinician.
Rehab: After fractures, physical therapy speeds recovery and rebuilds strength and balance.
Take action early. A short conversation with your doctor, a DEXA scan if indicated, and a few daily habits—better nutrition, targeted exercise, and fall-proofing your home—can cut the chance of serious bone damage. If a medication worries you, bring it up at your next visit. Small steps add up to stronger bones and fewer scares down the road.
