What Connects Bone To Muscle

Has your dr. ordered a bone density examination for you lot? If yous're a woman 65 or older, a human over 70 or someone with risk factors, yous may wonder what a os density test is and why yous need it. Learn what it is and how to understand the results.

As you age, your body doesn't keep calcium and phosphate minerals in your bones, just instead, reabsorbs them, according to the U.Due south. National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus site. This could lead to osteoporosis, or os loss, that results in breakable bones.

A os density test estimates the strength of your bones. It as well lets you know the chances you lot have of breaking a bone. The scan too tests to see if you take osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

The exam tests your bone density. The lower your bone density, the more likely your take chances of breaking a bone. The test likewise lets your doctor know if your osteoporosis medicine works.

Are In that location Different Types of Bone Density Tests?

There are two types of bone density tests, co-ordinate to the National Osteoporosis Foundation:

Central DXA: This is a bone density test of the hip and spine using a machine called the key DXA. These ii areas of testing are important considering if you have osteoporosis, you may have a greater chance of fracturing these bones.
Screening tests: There are three screening tests that measure the bone density in different parts of your body. These areas include your heel, lower arm, wrist or finger.

How to Prepare for a Bone Density Test

You'll receive a prescription for your examination. Infirmary radiology departments, private radiology practices or doctors' offices with bone density testing equipment will do the test.

Preparation for a non-invasive bone density test is simple. Eat normally and take your medications the morning of the exam, but abstain from vitamins or supplements the morning of your test, co-ordinate to UCSFHealth.org, the University of California San Francisco Health website.

The bone density examination is a painless scan to measure bone mass in various areas of your body. The examination uses a low-dose X-ray, which detects thinning of the bone or mineral loss, according to the UCSFHealth.org site.

Reading the Results of a Bone Density Browse

The meaning of bone density scores prove whether your os density is higher or lower than a typical salubrious 30-yr-erstwhile, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. The lower the score, the lower the bone density. Here'south what the scores mean:

-1.0 and above: Normal score
-1.0 to -2.5: Low bone density score
-2.five and below: Osteoporosis diagnosis

At that place's too a os density "Z" score nautical chart. Information technology compares your os density to what's normal in someone your age and body size.

How to Treat Poor Bone Density

If you've received a low bone density score or a diagnosis of osteoporosis, consider treatment to aid reduce the risks of bone breakage. Treatment is typically taking an osteoporosis medicine to prevent or to treat the condition. The most mutual course of medicine is called a bisphosphonate, a not-hormonal treatment. These medicines reduce bone loss and maintain os density to decrease risks, co-ordinate to the Mayo Clinic.

In addition to medication, consider lifestyle changes. Exercise to strengthen bones, consume well to get enough calcium and vitamin D, stop smoking to eliminate bone loss and limit alcohol for the aforementioned reason, warns the Mayo Clinic.