The DXA Scan to Obtain Your T-Score : Fitness News Onlypunjab.com- Health and Fitness News

The DXA Scan to Obtain Your T-Score
Publish Date : 1/26/2008 8:18:00 AM Source : Fitness News Onlypunjab.com

A common way to measure your bone mineral density is with a DXA scan. This scan is also known as dual X-ray absorptiometry. It takes 20 minutes or less to perform the test. It is non-invasive, which means, it does not penetrate the body's skin. The test causes no pain and is performed with low levels of radiation, less than from a typical chest x-ray. The DXA scan measures your BMD at the spine and hip. Other locations are occasionally measured during the scan. The scan provides you with a T-score.

What can the scan do for you?

• It will analyze your rate of bone loss
• Predict your chances of breaking a bone
• Confirm that you have osteoporosis after a fracture
• Evaluate whether treatment for osteoporosis have been effective

How do you interpret the T-score once you have the scan?

• The amount of bone you have (your bone density) is compared to the bone density of a healthy young adult, who should have the most optimal amount of bone
• Your doctor will give you your test results
• The World Health Organization defines a normal T-score range from +1 to -1. Low bone mass is -1 to -2.5. Osteoporosis is defined as -2.5 or lower

The lower the T-score, the higher your risk is for a fracture.

When is the scan required?

• Post-menopausal women under age 65
• Men over 50 with risk factors
• Any person with a fragility fracture

It is still important to work on improving your bone health regardless of whether or not you fit into one of these categories. A starting place is to know your T-score, which can be obtained from the scan.

What should you do if you are diagnosed with osteoporosis?

• Discuss treatment options with your health care provider
• How can you prevent further bone loss?
• How can you prevent disability?
• How can you prevent pain and bone fractures?

If the scan reveals you do not have osteoporosis, what should you do?

• Ask your health care provider if there are changes you need to make to keep your bones in good shape
• Know your daily Calcium and Vitamin D intake and talk to your health care provider about nutritional requirements
• Discuss how much exercise is needed as well as what type of exercise
• Find out how you can build strong bones through exercise
• Make a list of medications you take and find out whether they can contribute to bone loss
• Check your vision regularly. Poor vision can lead to falls and broken bones
• If you have vision or balance problems or problems walking you may need further testing to rule out other medical conditions

Source: U.S. Bone and Joint Decade Online

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professional

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