Bone density tests — also known as bone density scans, bone densitometry, or bone mass measurements — provide a means to measure your bones’ strength and make-up. This simple procedure is used for diagnosing conditions like osteoporosis, recognizing vitamin deficiencies and determining your risk level for fractures.
Your doctor uses a special type of x-ray or a CT scan to perform a bone density test. The tests are safe, quick, painless and reliable. If you find you have weak bones, your doctor explains how to:
- Improve your bone density
- Prevent bone fractures
- Avoid future complications
Schedule your test with a simple phone call to this multi-specialty practice where you visit your doctor. If you need further treatment from a specialist such as an orthopedist or therapist, in-house referrals are made quickly and efficiently.
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is the medical term for a condition that causes porous bones. It occurs when your bones degenerate, resulting in porous bones that are full of holes and cavities. If you’re below a certain score on your bone density test, it confirms a diagnosis of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a serious condition. But if you catch it early, before it becomes full blown, you can take steps to minimize the damage it causes. Osteoporosis is dangerous because having a weak bone condition leads to consequences such as:
- Poor posture
- A limitation of the activities you can participate in
- Increased risk of a broken bone and surgery
Osteoporosis is associated with other different conditions that affect your overall health and well-being. A specialist who’s treating you for an underlying condition sometimes wants you to get a bone density test. Conditions that contribute to low bone density include:
- Arthritis
- Lupus
- Blood and bone marrow diseases
- Diabetes
- Gastric surgeries
Prevent Osteoporosis and Low Bone Density
If your doctor suspects you may have brittle or weak bones, a bone density test confirms it. But even before you get the results, you should begin making lifestyle changes to prevent osteoporosis or keep it from getting worse. If you’ve already been diagnosed with early-stage osteoporosis, a condition called osteopenia, these changes stave off further bone loss.
Heed this advice to avoid the worst of the condition. The best steps to take to prevent low bone mass include:
- Eating foods that are high in vitamin D and calcium
- Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements
- Engaging in a regular strengthening program
- Doing weight-bearing exercises such as dancing, jogging and walking
Bone Density Test Details
Your doctor may advise you to fast for 24 hours before the test and skip your supplements that day. During the exam, you lie on a table wearing comfortable street clothes while a technician runs a scanner that passes over your body. Although it’s low risk, keep in mind that you’re being exposed to a small amount of radiation, like an x-ray, so you shouldn’t have a bone density scan if you’re pregnant.
Bone density test results, which you’ll receive within a few days, come in the form of a T-score that indicates how far you are from the average. The lower your T-score, the lower your bone density; a T-score below -2.5 means that you have osteoporosis.
Follow Up for Fracture Prevention
Even though a lower score is discouraging, bad results are actually beneficial because they give you an impetus to act. The results also guide your doctor to decide whether to prescribe medication in addition to exercise and diet changes. Take the steps necessary to strengthen your bones.
Your primary care doctor or another specialist works with you to devise an effective plan that suits your lifestyle. Repeated bone density tests, usually every two years, show your progress and improvement over time. Don’t put it off. Contact us to set up an appointment for a bone density test.
