A diagnosis of osteoporosis means that bones have lost 25 percent of their density, making them so fragile and porous that they easily break. Sadly, few people know they have osteoporosis until it's too late. That's because "the silent disease" causes no symptoms - until the day you hear the snap of a broken hip, spine or other bones.
Who is at Risk?
The more risk factors that apply to you, the greater your chance of developing osteoporosis. Risk factors include:
Female
Caucasian or Asian
Postmenopausal (especially before age 45)
Small, thin frame
Family history of osteoporosis
Malabsorption (your body doesn't absorb calcium properly)
Consume little calcium
Smoking
Consume alcohol in excess
Take certain medications, such as steroids
Get little exercise
History of cessation of menstruation due to an eating disorder
The bone density test
Osteoporosis is usually preventable and treatable when bone loss is detected in time. Bone mass is measured with a bone density test. A bone density test uses a small amount of radiation to determine the density of the spine or hip. It takes just a few minutes, and you do not undress. You simply lie down and relax.
While there are several types of bone density tests, the Baptist Health testing sites listed below use DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), widely considered the gold standard in bone density measurement. The test is covered by Medicare and most insurance companies with a prescription from your physician.
So don't wait! Discuss your risk factors with your physician to find out if you would benefit from a bone density test.
Bone density test locations
Call 786-573-6000 to schedule an appointment at any of the following locations.