Fewer than 5 percent of the people who have osteoporosis have secondary osteoporosis, which is caused by another medical condition or by drugs. Excessive alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking may worsen the condition. Idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis is a rare type whose cause hasn't been identified. It occurs in children and young adults who have normal hormone levels and function, normal vitamin levels, and no obvious reason to have weak bones. Symptoms Bone density decreases slowly, especially in people who have senile osteoporosis, so at first, osteoporosis produces no symptoms.
Some people never have symptoms.
When bone density decreases so much that bones collapse or break, aching bone pain and deformities develop. The weakened vertebrae may collapse spontaneously or after a slight injury. Usually, the pain starts suddenly, stays in a particular area of the back, and worsens when a person stands or walks. The area may be sore when touched, but usually the soreness goes away gradually after a few weeks or months. Other bones may fracture, often because of minor stress or a fall.