Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle — so brittle that even mild stresses like bending over, lifting a vacuum cleaner or coughing can cause a fracture. In most cases, bones weaken when you have low levels of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals in your bones.

In the United States, osteoporosis causes more than 1.5 million fractures every year — most of them in the spine, hip or wrist. And it’s not just a “women’s disease”; many men are affected as well. Approximately 8 million women and 2 million men in the United States have osteoporosis, and nearly 18 million more Americans may have low bone density. It's never too late — or too early — to do something about osteoporosis. Everyone can take steps to keep bones strong and healthy throughout life.

Source: Mayo Clinic