Bone
Density Screening
Osteoporosis
is a silent disease of the bones that makes them weaken
and prone to fracture. By their mid-30s, most people begin
to gradually lose bone strength; as a result, bones become
thinner and structurally weaker.*
There
are no symptoms when you have osteoporosis, and
the condition may come to your attention only after you
break a bone. Bones affected by osteoporosis are less dense
than normal bones, and are more likely to break, even as
a result of a minor bump or fall, or even without
an injury.
The
most common fractures occur at the spine, wrist and hip.
Spine and hip fractures in particular may lead to chronic
pain, long-term disability and even death.
DEXA
Bone Density Testing is the most accurate method
available to diagnose osteoporosis. Early detection is the
key to prevention of further bone loss and eventual fractures.
A thin,
invisible beam of low-dose x-rays travel through your bones
in two energy streams. One is absorbed by the soft tissue
(your muscles, organs and fat), while the other is absorbed
by bone. A simple calculation subtracting one from the other
provides the bone mineral density.
No
complications. No pain.
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