How to treat or cure osteoporosis

Osteoporosis cannot be fully reversed in most people, but it can be treated well. Treatment aims to prevent fractures, keep bones strong and maintain independence.

Core of treatment

• Lifestyle: weight-bearing and balance exercise, enough calcium and vitamin D, no smoking, low alcohol
• Fall prevention: home safety, vision checks, review of sedating medicines
• Medicines: bisphosphonates, denosumab, hormone-based or bone-building drugs, chosen by your doctor
• Treat the cause: thyroid, parathyroid, steroid use or other conditions
• Follow-up: repeat DEXA every 1 to 2 years, or as advised, and review treatment

If you have a fracture

Hip fractures usually need surgery. Spinal fractures may be treated with pain relief, bracing, physiotherapy, and sometimes procedures such as vertebroplasty in selected cases. Rehabilitation helps recovery.

Ayurvedic support

Some people add Ayurvedic diet, oil therapies or herbs. Evidence is limited, so treat these as an adjunct. Choose a qualified practitioner and tell your doctor, especially about medicines you take.

What to avoid

Unproven "bone-building" tonics, steroid-laced products and stopping prescribed medicine because you feel well.

See a doctor if you have a new fracture, new back pain, or side effects from your medicines.

When to get help

Speak with your doctor or an orthopaedic, endocrinology or rheumatology clinic if you have had a fracture from a minor fall, lose height, or develop a stooped back. Checking bone health early, with a DEXA scan where advised, lets you start the right plan before a break happens.