what does it mean to have higher than average bone density
Every three seconds, someone breaks a bone due to osteoporosis, according to information from the International Osteoporosis Foundation. These fractures can exist prevented through regular os density testing. These scans determine your risk of developing osteoporosis and aid us determine upon the best course of treatment to ensure your bones remain salubrious.
What is osteoporosis?
Your bones are filled with living tissue, and new os is created throughout your life. Osteoporosis is a disease that occurs when your body reduces the corporeality of bone it produces, which weakens your basic, making them brittle and vulnerable to serious fractures. It'south oft called a "silent disease" because most people don't even know they have information technology until they break a bone… and it can sometimes nonetheless go undiagnosed after that.
However, if identified early on, osteoporosis is easily treated, preventing serious and potentially debilitating fractures. In club to properly diagnose osteoporosis, one of our full general practitioners in Raleigh volition acquit a bone density exam, also known as a bone density browse.
What is a bone density scan?
A bone density scan is a painless exam where nosotros use a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) machine to determine the health and forcefulness of your bones. This helps us notice the early on stages of osteoporosis or osteopenia. Osteopenia ways your bones are weaker than what is considered normal, but non weak enough for you to be diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Bone density scans likewise help u.s.a. monitor progress of osteoporosis treatment. Regular X-rays are not used for a bone density test because they cannot determine the before stages of osteoporosis.
Who should accept a bone density scan?
As you age, yous should consult with one of our physicians to determine if a bone density scan should be a office of your yearly physical. It's especially important if you take 1 of the following risk factors:
- You have thyroid problems.
- You've had bariatric surgery or a accept a condition that affects the manner your body absorbs nutrients.
- You've go shorter as you've aged.
- You currently have or have been treated for an eating disorder.
- You live a sedentary lifestyle.
- You've recently fractured a bone.
- You are on high-risk medications, such as long-term employ of steroids.
- You're over the age of 50.
Check out one of our previous posts for more information regarding the reasons that you may demand a bone density scan.
What practise the results of my bone density scan mean?
The results of your scan include a T-score and a Z-score. These help us quantify your bone loss and compare the results to other people in your demographic.
WHAT IS A T-SCORE?
The T-score measures your current bone density.
- A score of -1 and above ways your os density is normal.
- Anything between -1 and -two.5 indicates osteopenia.
- A score of -two.five or below ways that information technology is very probable that yous have osteoporosis.
WHAT IS A Z-SCORE?
According to the Mayo Clinic, the Z-score compares your score with what would exist considered normal for someone of your height, weight, gender and other demographics. If this score is extremely different than the average, it is an indication of osteoporosis, and we will piece of work with y'all to develop a handling plan.
How is osteoporosis treated?
Osteoporosis tin can be treated by using a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications. These treatments include:
- Bisphosphonate medication
Medicines such as Fosamax, Boniva and others limit the breakdown of bone, co-ordinate to information from the Mayo Dispensary. - Exercise
Exercise slows bone loss. One of our internal medicine physicians will be happy to piece of work with you to create an exercise plan that is both condom and effective. - Medication that modifies your parathyroid hormone (PTH)
PTH helps maintain your calcium residual, and these medications can help you build new bone. - Hormonal adjustments
A form of drugs called SERMs regulates estrogen and can mimic the benefits of estrogen to assist increase bone density in postmenopausal women. - Nutritional counseling, if appropriate
This will right nutritional deficiencies and foreclose further bone loss.
Raleigh Medical Group offers bone density scans and effective treatment for osteoporosis
Untreated osteoporosis tin cause injuries that seriously harm the quality of your life. Nosotros desire to help safeguard your health and so you can keep doing the things you enjoy most. We've been a trusted member of the community for more than than four decades, and our internal medicine doctors will exist happy to speak with you lot and accost any concerns you have, including scheduling a os density scan and discussing your individual results and treatment plan. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
For more than 40 years, Raleigh Medical Group has served every bit the Triangle expanse's premier internal medicine provider. Comprised of three singled-out practices: Raleigh Medical Group, Cary Medical Grouping and Raleigh Adult Medicine, we tailor our treatments to provide the finest personalized health care available for each stage of your adult life. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
Source: https://www.raleighmedicalgroup.com/blog/understand-bone-density-test-results/