How to manage osteoporosis pain?

As a clinician who sees patients with chronic pain every day, I regularly meet people who are quietly dealing with the deep, nagging pain that comes with osteoporosis.

With the right combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and expert care, many of my patients return to an active, pain-controlled life.

At Jeevisha Pain Clinic Pune, we often meet patients who are frustrated by their discomfort or worried about fractures, but with a clear plan, their symptoms often improve dramatically.

Let’s walk through what osteoporosis pain really means and how you can manage it.

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become thin, fragile, and more likely to break. It develops slowly over time and is often called a “silent disease” because it typically doesn’t show symptoms until a fracture occurs.

But here’s something many people don’t realize: you can feel pain from osteoporosis even without a major fracture. Micro-fractures—tiny breaks in the bones—can cause low-grade, chronic pain, especially in the back, hips, and ribs.

These are most common in the spine, where the bones (vertebrae) can compress or collapse slightly under your body weight.

This type of pain can be sharp and sudden or dull and constant. It may worsen with movement, or even with simple actions like bending or lifting.

Osteoporosis pain doesn’t feel the same for everyone. Here’s what many patients describe:

• • Sudden back pain that doesn’t improve

  • Loss of height over time or a stooped posture

  • Chronic aching in the spine or hips

  • Pain while standing, walking, or during normal daily tasks

If you notice these signs, especially after age 50 or after menopause, it’s a good idea to get evaluated.

At our clinic, we use a combination of tools to diagnose osteoporosis and assess your pain:

• • DEXA scan (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry): the gold standard test to measure bone density.
  • X-rays to check for fractures in the spine or hips.
  • Blood tests to rule out other causes of bone loss like vitamin D deficiency or thyroid problems.

A visit to a Pain Specialist in Pune can help determine whether the pain you’re feeling is truly from osteoporosis or another condition.

1. Medications to Strengthen Bones

First, we address the root cause—weak bones. Medicines help slow bone loss and reduce your risk of fractures:

• • Bisphosphonates (like alendronate or risedronate): the most common drugs for osteoporosis.
  • Denosumab: often used in people who can’t tolerate bisphosphonates.
  • Calcitonin or Teriparatide: used in specific cases for people with multiple fractures.
  • Vitamin D and Calcium: essential daily supplements to support bone health.

These medications don’t work overnight, but over time, they help rebuild bone strength and reduce your risk of future pain.

2. Managing the Pain Itself

1) regenerative intra-articular injections if associated arthritis

2) dry needling for tight muscles

3) radio frequency ablation for painful facet joints

4) intracept procedure for vertebrogenic pain

5) vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty for collapsed vertebral bodies

Pain management doesn’t stop at medication. Here’s what I encourage all my patients to do:

→ Exercise Wisely

You don’t need to run a marathon—but regular, gentle exercise helps strengthen the muscles that support your bones. Focus on:

• • Walking or light resistance training

  • Balance exercises to reduce fall risk

  • Posture correction to relieve spinal pressure

Avoid high-impact or twisting activities that could lead to fractures.

→ Eat for Your Bones

A bone-healthy diet includes:

• • Calcium-rich foods: dairy, leafy greens, almonds

  • Vitamin D: from sunlight and fortified foods or supplements

  • Adequate protein: to support muscle and bone repair

→ Prevent Falls at Home

A small fall can cause a big problem. Keep your home safe by:

• • Installing grab bars in bathrooms

  • Removing rugs or clutter from walkways

Ensuring good lighting in all rooms

A trained physical therapist can create a personalized plan to improve your strength, posture, and flexibility—all of which reduce pressure on painful areas.

Techniques like heat therapy, TENS machines (mild electrical stimulation), and ultrasound can also reduce inflammation and provide relief.

Chronic pain can affect your mood, sleep, and motivation. Many patients feel isolated or discouraged, especially after a fracture. If you feel this way, you’re not alone—and support is available.

• • Talk to someone: friends, family, or a counselor.

  • Join a local osteoporosis support group.

  • Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga.

Managing stress plays a key role in managing pain.

If your pain is:

• • Persistent beyond a few weeks
  • Getting worse despite rest and medication
  • Affecting your ability to move, sleep, or function

It’s time to consult a specialist. A Pain Specialist in Pune can help diagnose the source of your pain and offer personalized, non-surgical treatment options.

Living with osteoporosis doesn’t mean living in pain. With the right treatment plan, many of my patients regain their mobility and confidence.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with osteoporosis for years, know this: your pain can be managed, and you don’t have to do it alone. At Best Pain Clinic Pune, we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.