Be in the Know About Bone Density

By Cassie Johnson

Most people know when you’re a women and celebrate 40 you need a mammogram. Everybody needs a colonoscopy at age 50. But at what age do you need a bone density scan? It’s an important issue that deserves more attention than it receives. My grandmom had osteoporosis. Watching her endure the discomfort of brittle bones breaking by merely sneezing, I think it’s high time we take a deeper dive into bone health.

What Is Bone Density?

Bone density is the amount of minerals, mostly calcium and phosphorous, contained in a bone. Under a microscope, healthy bones look like a honeycomb. With low bone density, the holes and spaces in the honeycomb are much larger than in a healthy bone.

A DXA or bone density scan is the only way to detect low bone density. It’s quick and painless. No poking with needles, only a scanning arm that passes over your body. There is virtually no prep for this scan. You can eat and drink as usual with no disruptions to your daily routine. Unlike other tests, it does not involve drinking a gallon of disgusting ‘potty potion’. The only thing a patient needs to do is avoid taking calcium supplements at least 24 hours prior to the scan.

“A DXA scan uses low-dose x-rays to see how strong your bones are,” said Diane Kolenich, ARNP with Marshall County Hospital. “It only takes 10 -20 minutes. Not only does it help diagnose bone-related health issues, but it can also assess the risk of you getting them. Any provider can order a bone scan, but most patients need a referral.”

Our bones are living tissue that constantly are being broken down and replaced. We are at peak mass between 25 and 30 years of age. We slowly begin to lose bone mass at age 40. After age 50, most people start losing bone faster than their bodies can replace it. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone can’t keep up with the loss of old bone, resulting in bone weakness. At its worst, osteoporosis can cause bones to break from the slightest movements like bending over or even coughing.

Symptoms of Poor Bone Density

Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because we can’t feel our bones weakening. Typically, breaking a bone is the first sign of osteoporosis. Patients may notice they are shrinking by getting shorter or their upper back is curving forward. The most common osteoporosis-related fractures occur in the wrist, hip, or spine. According to bonehealthandosteoporosis.org, around 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass.

Who Needs a DXA Scan?

“Women are at a much higher risk of low bone density than men, especially after menopause,” explained Kolenich. “Women over the age of 65 are advised to get a bone density test. Nut its recommended to go for a bone density scan as early as 50 if you are a smoker, have bones that break easily, a family history of osteoporosis, or low body weight. Men over 70 should talk to their doctor about a bone density scan, but earlier than that if they have easily broken bones.”

Prevention

Keep your bones as strong as you can while getting older. Don’t smoke as smoking increases the risk of weaker bones. Maintain a diet that supports bone health by making sure you have enough calcium, protein, and vitamin D every day. Low-fat dairy, leafy green veggies, fish, and grains are great sources of calcium. Stay active and get enough exercise. Strength training, walking, tennis, dancing, and hiking are all activities that help build and strengthen your bones. Limit your alcohol intake as too much can harm your bones. Drink in moderation or not at all to keep your bones as healthy as possible.

Osteoporosis causes more than 800,000 ER visits and more over 2.6 million doctor’s appointments every year. Thankfully, osteoporosis can be detected and treated. For more information about osteoporosis including risks and prevention, visit NOF.org or talk to your doctor. 