Osteoporosis
Bones are made of complex, constantly changing, living tissue. They are able to grow and heal, and are also susceptible to changes in diet, body chemistry, and exercise levels. When people are young, more bone is laid down than is removed by the body. People typically achieve peak bone mass by around age 30, after which more bone is lost than is replaced. Too much bone loss leads to osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a thinning of the bones that causes them to become porous and fragile. It affects women more than men, is associated with aging, and progresses more rapidly after menopause. Fortunately, osteoporosis is largely preventable and treatable with such approaches as diet, exercise, medication, and hormone therapy.
Osteoporosis alone does not cause back pain. It can, however, weaken the spine to where it is no longer able to withstand normal stress or minor trauma, resulting in vertebral fracture. It is the ensuing fracture that causes pain. Unfortunately, most people don't know they have osteoporosis until it has progressed.