World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) provides an all-important focal point for informing and educating the general public and policy makers about the prevention of a disease which still suffers from poor general awareness. With the number of participating countries and scheduled events increasing steadily year by year, the impact of WOD has grown significantly. 

World Osteoporosis Day 2010

Osteoporosis is silent, bones are hidden – but the drastic consequence of osteoporosis is visible in the lives of the millions of sufferers worldwide.

Spinal, or vertebral, fractures are the most common type of fragility fracture, yet remain largely undiagnosed and untreated. It is estimated that at least half of all spinal fractures do not come to clinical attention or are untreated. Although many spinal fractures cause disability and pain, these are often ignored or misdiagnosed as back pain due to a muscle strain or arthritis.

Key message ’Don’t miss the signs of a breaking spine’ ...

• Vertebral fractures are under-recognized and under-treated
• Early diagnosis and treatment essential to prevent the fracture cascade
• Three major signs of vertebral fractures are height loss, back pain, and a stoop
  
  See list of national World Osteoporosis Day campaigns around the world

Don't Bend To Osteoporosis