May is National Osteoporosis Awareness Month and marks an important time to raise awareness on bone health. Osteoporosis affects over 50 million Americans age 50 and older. It is a disease in which bone structure gradually weakens, leading to an increased risk of bony fractures. However, with detection, osteoporosis can be prevented and treated.
The only test that can diagnose osteoporosis before a fracture occurs is a DXA scan (dual x-ray absorptiometry). DXA uses a very small dose of ionizing radiation to measure bone density. This information is compared to age and gender matched values and calculates your risk of breaking a bone.
People may not have any noticeable signs or symptoms of osteoporosis. However, severe back pain, loss of height over time, stooped posture, and bone fractures from a minor injury may mean osteoporosis is present. Heredity, low body weight, and chronic use of certain medications put women and older adults at more risk for developing osteoporosis.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends a bone density test for women age 65 or older, men age 70 or older, anyone who breaks a bone after age 50, as well as additional younger patients with risk factors.
Click here for more information on DXA scans at Fairfax Radiology.