My clinician is concerned about my loss of height of 1 inch in the past year. Does that mean I definitely have osteoporosis?
Once you reach midlife, you should be measured for height each year that you go for an annual check-up. In addition to height, your spine should be assessed for kyphosis (prominent upper curve of the spine giving a hunched-over appearance). Although loss of height can mean other things such as poor posture, decreased muscle strength, or even poor measuring techniques, it can be a good indicator of bone loss in the spine. In fact, in one study, 75% of new vertebral fractures were found in individuals who had lost 1 to 2 inches in height.
Tiny compression fractures of the vertebrae can happen silently (without pain), reducing your height and causing the spine to curve. The progression from a normal spine to the curved spine, causing a loss of height. Your clinician is right to be concerned, and you should be further evaluated for osteoporosis.