The body has a natural system for maintaining bone. Understanding this system can help you learn how to maintain your bones.
A balanced system supports the body
The body is always losing (resorbing) and making bone. This process is called remodeling. Bone-resorbing cells take bone apart. They do this so the minerals can be used to repair an injury or make new bone. Bone-making cells form new bone using calcium and other minerals. These minerals come from the food you eat. When this bone-making system is in balance, the same amount of bone is built and resorbed.
An unbalanced system can't give support
Changes in hormone levels, activity, medicines, or diet can affect the bone-making system. When the system gets out of balance, the amount of bone lost is greater than the amount of bone made. This can cause osteopenia. It is when bone starts to become less dense. Left untreated, bone loss gets worse, leading to osteoporosis. Weak bones can’t support the body. In fact, they can break (fracture) just from the weight of your body. This often happens in bones of the spine (vertebrae). When vertebrae fracture, parts of the spine compress. This causes the back to bend or hump over, and it can also cause back pain.
Online Medical Reviewer: Banerjee, Rahul, MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Fetterman, Anne, RN, BSN
Date Last Reviewed: 03/01/2024
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Find the right provider to meet your needs
From primary care to specialty services and more.
Find a Doctor
Call for an Appointment
Offering personalized care at more than 20 clinics across three cities and two states.
Call NowRelated Articles
Understanding a Clavicle Fracture
A fracture of the clavicle is a broken collarbone. Clavicle fractures occur most often along the middle of the bone. Depending on how badly the bone is broken, healing may take a few months or longer.
Understanding De Quervain Tenosynovitis
De Quervain tenosynovitis is a condition that can cause wrist and thumb pain.
Rib Contusion or Minor Fracture
A rib fracture (bone break) may cause the same symptoms as a rib contusion. Treatment for both is the same.
Open Finger Fracture
You have a broken finger (fracture) with a nearby cut, puncture, or deep scrape. This causes local pain, swelling, and bruising. Because of the open injury, you are at risk for infection in the skin and bone. You will take antibiotics to lower the risk for infection.