Debunking the 'Never Broken a Bone' Theory

Social media now has a bizarre theory about people who have never broken a bone. What is the science behind it?

You may have seen videos on TikTok and other social networks where someone allegedly breaks an arm and asks their friend to call an ambulance. When the friend seems surprised that it can hurt so badly, the person in distress asks whether they have ever broken a bone.

After hearing 'no,' they become more sympathetic, remembering the 'never broken a bone' theory. So, what is it about?

What is the 'never broken a bone' theory?

The theory about people who have never broken a bone suggests that they are protected by spiritual energies or have endured enough emotional pain to compensate for the lack of physical injuries.

Is the 'never broken a bone' theory legit?

There is no scientific evidence to support the 'never broken a bone' theory. In fact, studies suggest the opposite relationship, as they have linked experiencing hardship and mental health issues with poorer bone health.

Children who experience fractures tend to live in poorer households, and the broken bones are most often a result of falls, blunt trauma, or a road traffic accident. Multiple fractures are also common in children who experience abuse.

People with major depressive disorder (MDD) may be at a higher risk of osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones, increasing the risk of fractures. One of the possible explanations is that people with depressive symptoms have higher levels of the hormone cortisol, which may contribute to the decline in bone mass density in adult depressed women.

Bone mass density (BMD) is the most critical determinant of bone health, according to Mark Kovacs, PhD, a performance physiologist. BMD tends to peak in the late 20s and then gradually declines, especially in postmenopausal women and older adults.

Moreover, individuals with depression often have a poor diet and an inactive lifestyle, which may also contribute to the loss of BMD.

Another study suggests that psychological stress may increase the risk of osteoporosis. While the mechanisms behind it are not yet well understood, the relationship may be partly explained by low-grade inflammation and hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system.

Moreover, mental stress may lead to behavioral changes, such as cigarette smoking, alcoholism, and physical inactivity, which threaten the health of the skeletal system.

A 2022 study that included 555 participants found that people who broke a bone more than once in their childhood were twice as likely to break bones as adults under the age of 45. Multiple fractures in childhood were also linked with a lower BMD in women but not in men.

Why do some people break bones more often?

While people with high BMD can still experience fractures, having lower density raises the risk of breaking bones. So, what determines our bone health?

Seyed Hassan Fakher, MD at Invigor Health, says genetics significantly influences peak bone mass and bone microarchitecture. However, there are other factors that shape bone health. Among them is nutrition, as adequate calcium and vitamin D intakes are essential for bone mineralization and maintenance.

Sun exposure promotes vitamin D synthesis, supporting calcium absorption and bone health, while physical activity increases bone mass and strength, especially weight-bearing and outdoor activities.

"Optimizing these can maximize bone strength and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life," Fakher tells WellnessPulse.

Hormones are also at play. Nicholas Dragolea, MD, GP, explains that women start experiencing increased bone mass loss in the years around menopause and postmenopause due to the decrease in estrogen, the hormone associated with female reproductive organs, which builds up bone tissue. Hormone replacement therapy may prevent such loss. In men, BMD decline can be accelerated by low testosterone levels.

James B. Chen, MD, an orthopedic surgeon, points out that bones aren't static structures that are just made of minerals.

Rather, our bones are constantly remodeling, and bone quality can fluctuate throughout life. Optimal bone health occurs when there is balanced remodeling of a bone to tolerate stressors that may be placed upon it with an ideal amount of elasticity and rigidity.

James B. Chen, MD

How to prevent bone fractures

While we cannot change our genes, we can adopt some lifestyle changes that may make our bones stronger.

Chen emphasizes the importance of following a well-balanced, moderate diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D intake. These nutrients are found in dairy, leafy greens, fish, and other fortified foods.

"Resistance exercise helps stimulate bone remodeling in response to the stress placed upon it. A popular trend right now is rucking or weighted-vest walking. This exercise can help reduce bone-density loss by increasing the stress on the bones," Chen tells WellnessPulse.

Weight-bearing exercises like jogging, hopping, and stair climbing are also beneficial, according to Dragolea.

Indirectly, balance exercises like yoga and tai chi can improve your balance and help you reduce the risk of falls and bone fractures.

Nicholas Dragolea, MD, GP

Those who have risk factors for osteoporosis or are 65 years and older may consider a DEXA scan to determine their current bone density, according to Chen. While nutrition and exercise are often enough, individuals already diagnosed with osteoporosis may need bone-building medications.

Kovacs recommends avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, as they significantly accelerate bone loss and interfere with bone remodeling.

"These lifestyle habits are often overlooked but can negate even the best diet and exercise routines," he says.

The verdict

No scientific evidence supports the 'never broken a bone' theory. On the contrary, studies indicate that individuals who suffer from mental health issues may be at a higher risk of fractures.

So, what does it mean if you've never broken a bone? It's likely because you have good bone health, which can be determined by genetics and lifestyle factors like nutrition and exercise. Or it can be sheer luck.