Bone Density Test
Learn Your Risk of Osteoporosis
A bone density test allow you to know whether you are at risk of developing osteoporosis before anything bad begins to happen. Years ago, the only time osteoporosis could be detected was after you broke a bone ore developed a serious hunched back. By then, however, your bones might already be quite weak. Today, the most common type of bone test is called DEXA scan (also sometimes called a DXA scan). A DEXA can determine if you have osteoporosis or are at risk of osteoporosis before you break any bones.
Bone density tests use special X-rays to measure the grams of calcium and other bone minerals packed into a given segment of bone. It is an accurate risk predictor. The results from bone density tests can let you know how you compare as far as bone mass with other people of your age, gender, and other similar characteristics.
When your mineral content is high, your bones are dense. Dense bones are strong and less likely to break. Physicians use bone density tests to determine if you have or are at risk of developing osteoporosis.
You should know that this test is not the same as bone scans. Bone scans are used to detect fractures, cancer, infections and other abnormalities in the bones. They require an injection beforehand.
It is generally recommended that you get a bone density scan if you are over 65 or if you are 60 or over
with risk factors
consistent with osteoporosis. If you have a family history, you may want to talk with your physician about getting tested even earlier. Generally, tests are taken at least two years apart in order to accurately measure change.
Your bones will become weaker as your age. Bone mass is maximized at age 25 and decreases all the time thereafter. Caucasians and Asians are most at risk of developing osteoporosis. Women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis, and should therefore seriously consider bone density tests if their doctor prescribes them.
If your doctor recommends the test, ask whether your insurance covers them. Unfortunately, not all insurance policies cover DEXA and they can be quite expensive. And with the recent changes in Medicare in the United States, you may have a difficult time finding a location other than the local hospital offering the tests currently.
DEXA scans can tell you about your bone mass, but they can not tell you why you have low bone density. For that, you need a complete medical history and a physical with your physician.
The tests usually done on the bones which tend to break because of osteoporosis including the lumbar vertebrae, which are in the lower region of your spine, the narrow neck of your femur bone adjoining the hip, and the bones of your wrist and forearm.
You will receive a T-Score (also called a SD score) which tells you how you compare to a young adult of your gender. A 0 would indicate that you have the bones of a 30 year old. Anything above -1 is considered fine. Between -1 and -2.5 and you are considered to have pre-osteoporosis or osteopenia, and below -2.5 is considered to be full fledged osteoporosis. If you are in a risk category, consider getting a DEXA scan right away.
Additional Resources
Risk Factors of Osteoporosis – What are they?
There are numerous typical risk factors associated with osteoporosis including gender, age, race/ethnicity and more...
Osteoporosis - Prevention and General Information
Osteoporosis is caused by the loss of minerals resulting in low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. Any anti-aging program should included steps to minimize the risk of osteoporosis.
Flexibility Exercises and Training – What are the Benefits?
A review of flexibility exercises and training and why the body needs in it order to achieve a wider range of motion and stability.
The Basics of Pilates and Osteoporosis
Pilates is a popular fitness program that is known to focus on stretching, strengthening and balancing of the different areas of the body and helpful in Osteoporosis prevention.
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