A DEXA scan provides patients with a better understanding of their health through bone density. This factor may uncover issues with the strength and durability of the bones, revealing whether the patient is at risk for fractures or has a condition like osteoporosis. If you are concerned about bone health, a wellness center may recommend this fast, painless scan.
A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, or DEXA, scan uses low levels of radiation to evaluate bone density, the bone's strength, and thickness. This is also why many refer to it as a bone density test. These scans are as quick and painless as routine X-rays, such as those done to diagnose a broken or fractured bone.
The wellness team will typically employ DEXA scans to measure the density of the spine or hip bones. Wrists are also commonly scanned. No matter which body part is being scanned, the patient will lie on the DEXA X-ray table, with foam blocks propping up the area. The DEXA machine will pass over the table to complete the scan. It will spit out measurements the medical provider will interpret to better determine the next steps, such as whether osteoporosis treatment is needed.
Since a DEXA scan is noninvasive, patients may return to their normal activities once they leave the wellness center. Side effects are not common, although there is a chance of increasing one's risk for cancer with any radiation exposure. Similarly, it remains important to inform the provider if the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding.
It can be hard for a patient to tell whether they need a DEXA scan on their own. Most people do not realize they may have low bone density until a minor fall results in a fractured bone. Below are four reasons why a provider would recommend a scan.
Fortunately, patients do not need to wait until an accident or injury happens. According to the American Family Physician, patients at risk of low bone density may benefit from a preventive DEXA scan. Such candidates include those who:
Osteoporosis is a health condition in which bones become brittle and are prone to breaking easily. This occurs when the bones can no longer easily or completely regenerate tissue. While this decrease in bone density happens to everyone as they age, the bones are far weaker with osteoporosis.
A DEXA scan is considered the go-to test for detecting osteoporosis. If diagnosed, the provider will recommend treatments to prevent future bone fractures. This may include taking vitamins and minerals (vitamin D or calcium) and osteoporosis medications. Hormone therapy to restrengthen the bones is one example of the latter. Alternatively, prescription injections may be recommended for patients with severe osteoporosis, the most common being denosumab (to slow down bone loss) and romosozumab (to promote new bone tissue growth). The medical provider will likely recommend exercise, as well.
The wellness team may perform additional DEXA scans further along in treatment to see how the patient responds to medication and, if needed, adjust their treatment plan.
Osteoporosis is not the only condition a DEXA scan can detect. Providers will also look for signs of osteopenia, which is simply the medical term for a patient with low bone mass. While osteopenia is not to be confused with early-stage osteoporosis, taking osteoporosis medications may help patients avoid injury. For this reason, a provider may prescribe one or recommend similar treatments to the patient.
DEXA scans may be helpful for patients concerned with their overall bone health, even if they do not have osteoporosis or osteopenia. These scans may inform patients of their current bone density and allow them to monitor it over time. They may also reveal one's body composition, showing how much muscle mass and fat there is and where it is distributed (this use is particularly helpful for athletes).
DEXA scans can reveal a wealth of information about one's bone health. If you think you may be at risk of having low bone density or osteoporosis, consider contacting our team. Our wellness center serves patients in Fresno and the surrounding areas.
Request an appointment here: https://omgwellnessmd.com or call Optimal Medical Group at (559) 425-1118 for an appointment in our Fresno office.
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