The aim of early diagnosis and treatment for osteoporosis (and managing osteopenia) is to prevent any initial fracture occurring.
If a fracture does occur the main aim of treatment is to reduce the likelihood of more fractures.  

Osteoporosis develops when bones lose calcium and old bone cells, faster than the body can replaces them. As a result, bones become fragile and brittle.   The more fragile the bones are, the more likely they are to fracture or break.  A minor trauma that might normally result in a bruise or a scratch in a healthy adult can cause a fracture in someone with osteoporosis. Sometime fines can fracture without any trauma at all.

The most common complications of osteoporosis are fractures. They can happen in the hips, spine and wrists. These types of fractures can cause long-term pain, disability and loss of independence. Osteoporotic fractures that occur in the spine can also lead to changes in posture (e.g., stooped back) and severe loss of height.

Research has identified some common risk factors for developing which mainly applies to patients over 50 years but can also apply to younger adults:

• Menopause and loss of estrogen
• Age
• Family history
• Some medications especially corticosteroids
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Sedentary lifestyle,
• Poor diet,
• Certain medical conditions, can affect your bones and increase osteoporosis risk, as can the long-term use of some medicines (e.g., corticosteroids).

There are a number of ways to help manage osteoporosis and prevent fractures, some include:

• taking osteoporosis medicines
• ensuring sufficient calcium and/or vitamin D levels
• reducing the risk of falls.
• Lifestyle changes