What Is Normal Bone Density:
A person’s doctor will compare the results of their BMD test to the average bone density of other people with the same sex, age, and race as the individual. This measurement tells the healthcare provider whether there is decreased bone mass. This is a condition in which bones are more brittle and prone to break or fracture easily. If doctors need to measure a person’s bone density, they will likely use a DEXA scan. These scans measure bone mass, and doctors compare the results with established norms to provide a score.
Do not take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before the test (including Tums for indigestion). You may go back to your regular diet immediately after the test. A bone density test (such as a DEXA scan) is relatively safe. However, you will be exposed to low-dose radiation during the test.
Ask about exercises that can help you maintain healthy posture, which may reduce the risk for a spine fracture. If your doctor has recommended that you use a walker or cane after an osteoporotic fracture, do so’it will help your balance and allow you to stay more active. If you feel drowsy or dizzy, ask your doctor if this could be a side effect of other medications you may be taking, and ask reference what you can do about it. It is important that you review your BMD test results with your doctor for a full explanation of what they mean for you. Any diagnoses or treatment recommendations would be based on your BMD test results, age, and other fracture risk factors that you may have. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women over age 65 have a bone mineral density test.
If a medication could affect bone strength, a person can consult a doctor about the potential risk and how to manage it. It may also be helpful to treat any underlying health my sources conditions that can affect bone density before they contribute to osteoporosis. For example, people with low estrogen levels may benefit from hormone replacement therapy.
After the test, a radiologist interprets your imaging scans. The radiologist sends the results to your primary care or referring provider. Your primary care or referring provider reviews the results of the tests with you.
The most common bone mineral density test is a central dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA). DXA uses radiation to measure how much calcium and other minerals are in a specific area of your bone. Because the weak bones that tend to break most often are you could try this out the hip and spine, DXA usually measures bone mineral density in these bones. DEXA gives healthcare providers a ‘baseline measurement.’ That means they can compare the current test results to future results to determine whether bone density decreases over time.
Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle ‘ so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses such as bending over or coughing can cause a break. Osteoporosis-related breaks most commonly occur in the hip, wrist or spine. Bone mineral density (BMD) testing is the most common and most accurate way to detect and diagnose osteoporosis. This may include tests such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA/DXA), peripheral DEXA, and quantitative ultrasound.
Osteopenia is also often diagnosed using a bone density test, which measures both bone mass and bone strength. While bone mass is the amount of bone tissue found in the skeleton, bone density is the amount of mineral content in bone tissue. The lower a person’s T-score, the more severe their bone loss is, and the more at risk for fractures they are. The numerical value will give your doctor an idea of where your bone density currently is. It can tell them if you already have osteoporosis or if you are at risk for developing it.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have a joint or dental implant. Typically, you can still have a BMD test if you have a permanent implant. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions to prepare for a BMD test. Medicare and most commercial insurance companies cover the cost of the test if you meet certain criteria. The estimated national average cost of a bone density test is $125. The bone density test itself takes 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of machine and body area being scanned.
Your personal items will be put in a safe place (like a locker) while you are having the test. A scanning device (detector) hangs over the table and an X-ray generator is below the table. You can help a loved one stay strong and fracture-free with these strategies. Bone loss may lead to feelings of depression if you feel you can no longer do the things you enjoy or have lost independence.