Bone Density
Osteoporosis
Bone density is measured by the protein minerals in the bones. Most of those who get a bone density test will do so because they are concerned about bone disease such as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone disease the primarily affects older women of past the age of 60. It can cause brittle bones and bone breakage as well as pain. In some cases, those who suffer from a lack of bone density will also notice a decrease in height as they experience compression fractures in the spine.
Most women are advised to get a bone density test beginning at the age of 65. However, there are other conditions that can cause bone disease and can affect bone density earlier in life. While osteoporosis is the most common of these conditions, other conditions that can cause brittle bones include osteonecrosis which affects the tissue surrounding the bones, usually in the spine or in the hips as well as osteoarthritis, which affects the joints and the bone tissues surrounding them. Because bone density tends to decrease with age, it is important for older individuals as well as those with underlying health conditions, particularly auto immune disorders, to get a bone density test.
There are several ways that a doctor can perform a bone density test. In most cases, blood tests are used to measure bone density. This can be effective as a way to not only diagnose osteoporosis but lead to the diagnosis of other conditions as well. The DEXA scan is the most accurate of all of the bone density test methods that are available today as it can measure the smallest fractions of bone loss in an individual. While osteoporosis primarily affects women, men can also be affected by this bone disease.
The bone density test that a doctor recommends depends upon the symptoms of the disease as reported in a clinical exam. In some cases, a bone density test may be given in the case of a fracture or a break. This can determine the amount of bone loss in an individual so that proper treatment can be recommended. Not all bone disease is related to osteoporosis, so it is important that anyone who suffers from the following symptoms be given a bone density test:
Back pain
Compression fractures
Joint pain
Frequent bone breakage
Decrease in height
Inability to stand up straight
Doctors can use both blood tests as well as imaging tests such as the DEXA scan to determine the cause of the symptoms. They can then advise the proper treatment. In most cases when it comes to bone disease, calcium supplements as well as a diet that is rich in calcium is recommended. In addition, it is important for anyone who is suffering from a bone disease or who wishes to prevent bone disease take a supplement of Vitamin D so that they can help absorb calcium into their body.
Eating the right foods, exercising and also avoiding foods that are high in phosphates are also a crucial aspect of maintaining good bone health. It is never too late to take care of your bones, and there are various treatments, including medications, for those who are suffering from bone disease such as osteoporosis.