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What Is Osteoporosis?

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Osteoporosis is a progressive metabolic bone disease that decreases bone density causing skeletal weakness. Bone is continually being formed and resorbed in the body. Osteoblasts are cells that build and mineralize the organic matrix of bone. Osteoclasts are cells that resorb bone. Normally, bone formation and resorption are closely balanced. Osteoporosis occurs when osteoclasts break down bone at a faster rate than osteoblasts can create it. Osteoporosis is often referred to as a silent disease because it is asymptomatic. As the disease progresses, bones become weaker, and small stresses, such as coughing or just bending over, cause fractures. A fracture is usually the first sign of the disorder. Osteoporosis related fractures occur most frequently

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