Osteoporosis is a significant health concern, contributing to an estimated two million broken bones each year in the United States alone. Many people are unaware that their bones have become weak and brittle until they experience a painful fracture. Fortunately, there's a reliable way to assess your bone health before a break happens.
At Pittsburgh Imaging & Wellness, our experienced team provides expert scans with fast, accurate results for patients across Pennsylvania. Our state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including DEXA scans, give you and your provider the information needed to protect your bone health for years to come. Schedule your appointment with us today.
Let's explore what a DEXA scan involves and why it's such an important tool for maintaining your health.
What Exactly Is a DEXA Scan?
DEXA scans, which stand for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, is a highly accurate and non-invasive imaging test that measures your bone mineral density (BMD). Think of it as a specialized X-ray that provides a detailed snapshot of how strong and dense your bones are. It is the gold standard for diagnosing osteopenia (low bone mass) and osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and susceptible to fractures.
During the scan, two low-dose X-ray beams with different energy levels are aimed at your bones. One beam is primarily absorbed by soft tissue, while the other is absorbed by bone. By subtracting the soft tissue measurement from the total, the machine calculates your bone mineral density with exceptional precision.
What Does the Scan Measure?
The primary goal of a DEXA scan is to measure the density of your bones, typically in the lower spine and hip. These areas are not only central to your body's support structure but are also common sites for fractures related to osteoporosis. The results are reported using T-scores and Z-scores:
- T-score: This number compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult of the same gender. A T-score of -1.0 or higher is considered normal. A score between -1.0 and -2.5 indicates osteopenia, and a score of -2.5 or lower signifies osteoporosis.
- Z-score: This score compares your bone density to that of other people of your age, gender, and ethnicity. It can be useful for identifying if an underlying medical condition or medication is contributing to bone loss.
A qualified radiologist doctor will interpret these scores to help your provider assess your fracture risk and determine the best course of action.
How Is a DEXA Scan Performed?
If your doctor has recommended bone density testing near me, you might be wondering what to expect. The good news is that a DEXA scan is a simple, quick, and painless procedure.
When you arrive for your appointment, you will be asked to lie down on a padded table. A large scanning arm will pass slowly over your body without touching you. You just need to remain still for a few minutes while the machine captures the images. The entire process typically takes only 10 to 15 minutes, and the radiation exposure is very low—even less than a standard chest X-ray. There’s no need for injections, and you can eat and drink normally beforehand.
Who Needs a DEXA Scan?
Your healthcare provider may recommend a DEXA scan based on several risk factors. It's a key diagnostic tool for proactive health management, especially as you age. Common reasons for ordering a scan include:
Age and Gender
Age is a primary risk factor for bone loss. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends bone density testing for:
- Women aged 65 or older.
- Men aged 70 or older.
- Postmenopausal women under age 65 with risk factors.
- Men aged 50-69 with risk factors.
Women are more susceptible to osteoporosis after menopause because of the sharp decline in estrogen, a hormone that helps protect bones.
History of Fractures
If you've suffered a bone fracture after the age of 50, particularly from a minor fall or incident, it could be a sign of underlying bone weakness. A DEXA scan can help determine if osteoporosis was a contributing factor and assess your risk for future fractures.
Medical Conditions and Medications
Certain health conditions can accelerate bone loss. These include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, and kidney or liver disease. Similarly, long-term use of specific medications, such as corticosteroids (like prednisone), can negatively impact bone density. If you have one of these conditions or take such medications, your doctor may suggest routine DEXA scans.
Lifestyle Factors
Several lifestyle choices can increase your risk of osteoporosis. These include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle. A DEXA scan can provide a baseline measurement of your bone health, encouraging positive changes to protect your future.
Why Your Bone Health Is So Important
Strong bones are the foundation of an active and independent life. They support your body, protect your vital organs, and allow you to move freely. As we get older, maintaining bone health becomes critical for preventing debilitating fractures that can lead to chronic pain, disability, and a loss of quality of life.
Osteoporosis is often called a 'silent disease' because it progresses without symptoms until a fracture occurs. By the time a bone breaks, significant bone loss has already happened. This is why proactive screening with a DEXA scan is so valuable. Identifying low bone density early allows you and your provider to take steps to slow bone loss and strengthen your skeleton.
The results from your scan empower you to make informed decisions about your health, from lifestyle adjustments to medical treatments, ensuring you can stay active and healthy for years to come.
Schedule Your DEXA Scan in Pittsburgh Today
DEXA scans provide a clear, reliable picture of your bone health, allowing you to take control before a fracture occurs. Pittsburgh Imaging & Wellness is here to provide the answers you need with professionalism and care.
Don't wait to understand your risk. Schedule your DEXA scan appointment with Pittsburgh Imaging & Wellness and take the first step toward protecting your bone health for the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a DEXA scan?
A DEXA scan, or Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry scan, is a quick and non-invasive imaging test that measures bone mineral density to assess bone health and the risk of fractures.
2. How long does a DEXA scan take?
The scan itself typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the area being scanned.
3. Is a DEXA scan safe?
Yes, a DEXA scan is considered safe. It uses a very low dose of radiation, far lower than a standard X-ray, making it a safe option to monitor your bone health over time.
4. Who should consider getting a DEXA scan?
DEXA scans are generally recommended for postmenopausal women, individuals over 50, or anyone at risk of osteoporosis or bone fractures based on medical history or lifestyle factors.
5. How should I prepare for a DEXA scan?
Preparation for a DEXA scan is simple. Avoid taking calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before the test and wear loose, comfortable clothing free of metal or zippers. No other special preparation is needed.