Osteoporosis Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak, so that they fracture very easily. Pain is a message sent along the nerves to tell the brain that something is causing damage to the body. Doctors make a distinction between acute pain and chronic pain. Acute pain usually goes away quickly. It is useful, because it warns you of sources of harm, and tells you to protect yourself while the body heals.
Chronic pain can be just as unpleasant as acute pain, but lasts much longer.
If you have pain in the same place for 12 weeks or more, it is likely to be classified as chronic pain. Because it lasts so long, it is of less value as a warning. The body also produces its own natural painkillers called endorphins. Exercise, and treatments such as physiotherapy, manipulation and acupuncture, help increase the endorphins in your body. People with chronic pain often need specialist advice and support, and are sometimes referred by doctors and physiotherapists to pain clinics.