Osteoporosis/ compression fractures

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones deteriorate and become weakened, fragile, and easily broken. Bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced as minerals such as calcium leach out. Osteoporosis is frequently painless until a bone breaks. In fact, a fractured bone may be the first symptom of osteoporosis. The condition is most often seen in older people, but it can occur in younger individuals as well.
Any bone can be affected by osteoporosis, but bone fractures of the spine—the vertebrae–are especially serious. Spinal or vertebral fractures can cause severe back pain and lead to loss of height and spinal deformity. Osteoporosis can also lead to other types of fractures, notably a broken hip—a serious injury that can lead to loss of mobility and cause disability—or a broken wrist.

Mild loss of bone mineral density is often called osteopenia. Osteopenia is usually seen as a precursor to osteoporosis.