Bone Health

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Although both men and women can develop osteoporosis, women are at greater risk for developing the disease, particularly after menopause. Osteoporosis is a disease where bone strength and bone health is weakened, which can lead to bone loss and broken bones or fractures, especially in older or elderly people. 

You can minimize your risk factors of osteoporosis through lifestyle changes, such as:

• Maintaining a regular exercise routine that includes weight-bearing exercises.
• Getting enough vitamin D and calcium.
• Minimizing caffeine and alcohol consumption, and abstaining from smoking.

MountainView Regional Medical Center healthcare professionals and dietitians are available to help you incorporate healthy dietary additions, especially calcium or vitamin D, and lifestyle habits to improve bone health and lessen your risk factors of developing osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis Screening and Treatment

To determine bone health and your risk of the disease, your doctor will take a complete medical history and perform an exam. Screening techniques to detect osteoporosis include:

• X-rays
• DEXA (a test of bone density, also called bone densitometry)
• Blood tests, which measure calcium and potassium levels

Bone Density Scan

Bone density testing, also known as DXA or DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), measures the strength of your bones to determine whether you are at risk for developing osteoporosis or osteopenia (decreased bone mass or a lower bone mineral density) — osteopenia often develops into osteoporosis. Doctors use the test to develop an appropriate treatment plan to slow the progression of disease and prevent fractures and bone loss. Early detection through bone density testing can allow doctors to begin therapy when it can be most beneficial.

Osteoporosis is caused by more bone cells being resorbed than being deposited. This imbalance results in a progressive loss of bone density and a thinning of bone tissue. Osteoporotic bones are more porous and therefore more vulnerable to fracture.

What is a DXA Bone Density Test?
DXA (or DEXA) is the most widely used test to measure bone mineral density. A DXA bone density test is more accurate than a regular X-ray or CAT scan and requires less radiation exposure. DXA scans are now the best method of diagnosing and monitoring osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Using bone density testing (or bone densitometry) physicians can measure patient bone density and follow it over time. If the patient's bone density is low, or decreases at an abnormally fast rate, the patient may be at risk for osteoporosis. Through changes in diet, exercise habits and/or medication, risk factors can be lessened and further bone loss or weakness can be prevented.

Your doctor will tailor a treatment program that's right for you. In addition to lifestyle changes to minimize your risk, treatment options include:

• Hormone-replacement therapy
• Medical management with medications