Condition · Osteology
Bone loss often goes unnoticed for a long time – until a vertebra, the wrist or the hip breaks under minor strain. We assess your personal risk and treat osteoporosis in line with current guidelines.
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease in which bone mass and bone structure decline – bones break more easily. Detected early, it can be treated well: with exercise and strength training, sufficient calcium and vitamin D, fall prevention and, if the fracture risk is increased, medication. The goal is to prevent fractures and preserve your independence.
The condition
What happens in the bone, which warning signs to look for and who is at increased risk.
The basics
Bone is living tissue that is constantly being built up and broken down. In osteoporosis, breakdown predominates: bone mass decreases and the fine inner structure of the bone becomes thinner and more porous. The bone loses strength and can break under everyday strain or after a minor fall.
The vertebrae, the neck of the femur, the wrist and the upper arm are affected most often. Osteoporosis is one of the most common conditions in later life. Women are particularly often affected after the menopause because oestrogen levels fall – but men develop it too.
Risk factors
Whether osteoporosis needs treatment depends not on bone density alone but on your overall risk profile.
The assessment
Consultation, examination, X-ray and blood test with us – the bone density scan with our partners.
Dr Kochs is a certified osteologist (DVO) and therefore specially qualified in disorders of bone metabolism.
Pre-existing conditions, medication, previous fractures, falls and family history.
Height, posture, spine, muscle strength, balance and gait.
X-ray of the spine here in the practice, bone density scan (DXA) with our partners.
Blood is taken here in the practice – the values help to identify other causes of reduced bone density.
Bone density scan (DXA): The scan of the lumbar spine and hip is the standard method, takes only a few minutes and uses a very low radiation dose. We do not perform it in our practice ourselves but work with partners for this. We will discuss with you whether and when a scan is advisable and then go through the result with you.
Our treatment
From calcium and vitamin D through exercise and fall prevention to medication – and what you can do for your bones yourself.
Our treatments
Treatment rests on several pillars. Which of them you need depends on your personal fracture risk. Dr Rode treats osteoporosis in line with current guidelines and takes part in the osteoporosis disease management programme (DMP) of the German statutory health insurers.
Calcium is the most important building block of bone; vitamin D ensures that it is absorbed and incorporated. We check whether your intake from diet and sunlight is sufficient or whether a supplement makes sense.
Bones need loading to stay strong. Targeted strength, posture and balance training strengthens muscles and bones. We prescribe physiotherapy and advise on functional training and rehabilitation sport.
Most fractures are caused by falls. We look at steadiness of gait, muscle strength, eyesight and medication that can cause dizziness, and give advice on aids and trip hazards at home.
If the fracture risk is increased, bisphosphonates and other antiresorptive medication slow bone breakdown and lower the risk of new fractures. They are available as tablets, injections or infusions. We discuss benefits, side effects and duration.
If the fracture risk is very high, for example after several vertebral fractures, we also use medication that stimulates bone formation. It is given for a limited time and followed by maintenance treatment.
In most cases we treat fresh osteoporotic vertebral fractures conservatively: with pain therapy, physical therapy, early and adapted movement and, if needed, a supporting brace.
Osteoporosis is a long-term condition. At regular intervals we review tolerability, symptoms and risk profile and decide whether treatment should be continued, adjusted or paused.
For persistent severe pain or unstable fractures, surgery such as cement stabilisation of the vertebra may be advisable. We do not operate ourselves; we advise you and refer you to experienced partners.
Self-help
Brisk walking, hiking, dancing or climbing stairs: anything that loads the bones keeps them strong.
Regular strength training and balance exercises strengthen the bone and protect against falls.
Dairy products, green vegetables, nuts and calcium-rich mineral water. Plus enough protein and daylight for vitamin D.
Do not smoke, drink alcohol only in moderation and remove trip hazards such as loose rugs or poor lighting.
Last updated: September 2026 · Responsible for content: Dr med. Andreas Kochs and Dr med. Henrik Rode. This information does not replace a medical examination.
FAQ
Osteoporosis causes no symptoms for a long time. Possible signs are a broken bone after a minor fall, sudden back pain without an obvious cause, a loss of several centimetres in height or an increasingly rounded back. Only a medical assessment can give you certainty.
Mainly for women after the menopause and for men from around the age of 50 who have risk factors – for example a fracture without a major accident, longer-term cortisone treatment or a parent with a hip fracture. At an advanced age, the guidelines recommend an assessment even without particular risk factors. We will discuss with you whether a scan is advisable in your case.
No. We do not offer the bone density scan (DXA) in the practice; we work with partners for this. The consultation, physical examination, blood test and X-ray take place with us; afterwards we discuss the scan result with you and base the treatment on it.
Osteoporosis is a chronic condition, but it can be treated well. With exercise, sufficient calcium and vitamin D, fall prevention and – if the risk is increased – medication, the bone can be stabilised and the risk of fractures reduced considerably.
Treatment usually lasts several years. After that we review whether it should be continued, changed or paused. Please do not stop the medication on your own: some preparations require follow-up treatment so that the bone does not quickly lose strength again.
Yes, exercise is explicitly recommended. Strength training, walking, hiking and balance exercises strengthen bones and muscles and lower the risk of falling. After vertebral fractures or with very low bone density you should avoid jerky movements, bending forward under load and sports with a high risk of falling. We will advise you on what suits you.
Yes. Women are affected more often after the menopause, but men also develop osteoporosis – often unnoticed and more frequently as a result of other conditions or medication. A fracture without an adequate accident should therefore be investigated in men as well.
Both doctors. Dr med. Andreas Kochs is a certified osteologist (DVO), i.e. qualified by the German umbrella association for osteology in disorders of bone metabolism. Dr med. Henrik Rode treats osteoporosis in line with current guidelines and takes part in the osteoporosis disease management programme (DMP) of the German statutory health insurers. Where needed, we coordinate with your GP and other specialists.
Book an appointment
Have you had a fracture, are you taking cortisone long-term or would you like to have your osteoporosis risk assessed? Book an appointment.
