Taking care of your bones is a crucial part of overall wellness. A bone density test is a simple, non-invasive procedure that helps evaluate the strength of your bones. This valuable test helps your healthcare provider assess your risk for certain bone conditions, ensuring that you receive the right care to keep your bones strong and healthy. Below, you can learn more about bone density testing and why it is important.
What is a Bone Density Test?
Maintaining good bone health is essential for a vibrant and active lifestyle, as strong bones are the foundation of the body’s structures and play a key role in overall well-being.
A bone density test, also known as densitometry testing, is used to measure bone mineral content and the strength of bones. Think of your bones like a book. The thicker the pages, the stronger the book. This test helps doctors check whether your bones are strong and healthy or if they’re weak and fragile, making them more likely to break.
A bone density test can be conducted using several methods, but a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan stands out as the “gold standard” due to its precision and accuracy in determining bone health.
Why is Testing Important?
Normal bones are strong yet flexible. They help to keep you healthy and active. With bone loss, the outer shell of a bone becomes thinner, and the inside becomes more porous or spongy, making bones weaker. If your bones are weak, they can break easily. This is a condition called osteoporosis.
A bone density scan is a vital step in assessing bone health. It’s particularly useful for those at increased risk of osteoporosis or other conditions that affect bone mass. Knowing the strength of your bones helps you and your doctor implement strategies that can help maintain or improve your bone health, allowing you to stay fit and healthy.
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
Identifying the risk factors for osteoporosis can help determine the ideal timing for a bone density test. Johns Hopkins Medicine states that there are several indicators to consider, these include post-menopausal women (not taking estrogen), those of advancing age (women over 65 and men over 70), and people with a family history of osteoporosis or hip fractures. By recognizing the risk factors, you and your doctor can decide if a bone density test is appropriate, enabling you to take steps to protect and maintain your bone health.
When is a Bone Density Test Recommended?
Your healthcare provider may request a bone density test to provide essential insights into your bone health. According to The Mayo Clinic, this valuable test serves several useful purposes, such as the following:
- It identifies a reduction in bone density before you break a bone. By detecting early signs of bone loss, your healthcare provider can intervene with preventive measures.
- It determines your risk of fractures (broken bones). This allows for proactive steps to strengthen your bones and reduce the likelihood of injury.
- It confirms a diagnosis of osteoporosis. If there are signs of weakened bones, this test helps in establishing whether osteoporosis is the cause.
- It monitors osteoporosis treatment. For those already receiving treatment, regular tests help in tracking the effectiveness of treatment and whether adjustments are needed to ensure optimal bone health.
The information provided by bone density testing allows you and your healthcare provider to work together to maintain and improve your bone strength, promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle.
How is the Test Performed?
The test is simple and quick. You lie down on a comfortable, padded platform while a mechanical arm glides gently over your body to scan your bones. The test is usually done on bones that are most vulnerable to the effects of osteoporosis, such as the lower spine, thighbone (nearest the hip joint), and bones in the forearm.
During the scan, you will be exposed to a small amount of radiation, but it is much less than the amount emitted during a standard chest X-ray. The entire procedure typically takes between 10 to 30 minutes, offering a quick and painless experience. In some cases, a small, portable machine can be utilized to measure bone density in bones, such as those in your wrist, fingers, or heel.
How to Prepare for a Bone Density Scan?
Preparing for a bone density scan is easy. Simply:
- Wear comfortable clothes
- Avoid taking calcium supplements for 24 hours before the test
- Inform your doctor if you recently had a barium exam or contrast material used for a CT scan or MRI
Understanding the Results
After the test, you will get a score, known as a T-score. This score tells you the strength of your bones compared with what is normally expected in a healthy young adult of the same sex. Positive T-scores (-1 and above) signify the bone has normal density, whereas negative T-scores indicate weaker than normal bones. T-scores of -2.5 and below indicate osteoporosis.
Bone Density Test in Colorado Springs, CO
At Abundance Health Care, we’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey to optimal bone health. Dr. Bruner-Hill and her team provide comprehensive healthcare and are dedicated to empowering you to take proactive steps towards a healthier future. Our holistic approach ensures that every patient receives compassionate and personalized care across all stages of life.
Our mission is to provide high-quality, patient-centered care. We offer a wide-range of healthcare services to keep you and your bones healthy, including bone density tests, nutritional guidance, and chronic disease management.
Whether it’s through routine tests, preventive measures, or tailored treatment plans, Abundance Health Care are here to ensure you live a healthy, active life. Taking care of your bones is a lifelong commitment, and we’re proud to partner with you every step of the way.
If you are looking for ways to get started on your journey to better bone health or wish to learn more about our services, contact Abundance Health Care today. You can reach us at (720) 869-0547 or request an appointment.
