If a hump develops from osteoporosis, the bones in the spine are collapsing and will continue to collapse unless prevention methods are put in place. The hump develops because there is no bone to keep the body upright. I would suggest you make an appointment for your mother to visit her GP straight away.
 
Other signs and symptoms of osteoporosis include a loss of height. Many people believe that it is normal to lose height as you get older. However, if a person loses more than two centimetres, it is a red flag that they should get a DXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan to measure bone mineral density and rule out osteoporosis.
 
A person’s body shape and size can change due to vertebrae collapsing. When this happens, the ribs drop
down as there is not enough bone to hold the body upright, this causes the stomach contents to be pushed out and form a pot belly.
 
Sudden and severe lower, mid, and upper back pain could be a sign that a fracture has occurred. Most people don't even know they have osteoporosis until they have broken a bone which is why it is often referred to as a "silent disease".

For more information on osteoporosis I suggest you read a new booklet published by Home Instead Senior Care. Entitled, Beat the Break, the guide will tell you everything you need to know about bone health and osteoporosis. I think it will be of great help to you and your mum.

If you have any questions you would like answered please e-mail Noeleen Cronin on info@homeinstead.ie. Noleen is trained as a nurse and specialised in elder care before joining Home Instead Senior Care.

For further information on elder care issues and to keep up to date with Home Instead Senior Care news please click on the following link: http://www.homeinstead.ie/keep_in_touch.aspx.