DEXA scans is an acronym for Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry test. This test enables you to understand just how strong or dense the bones in your body are. Bone density scans can help you assess the risk levels of osteoporosis. This disease causes bones to weaken and more prone to breaking. A fast and pain-free scan, the DEXA scan is extremely effective at identifying low levels of bone density. It is, in fact much more capable at determining your bone density than a traditional x-ray.

Do I need a bone density scan?

You may need to schedule a DEXA scan at Radiology Center at Harding in Morristown, New Jersey if:

• You are over 50 years old and have a risk of getting osteoporosis
• You are under 50 years old but have other risk factors, like smoking or previous broken bones
• You consume copious amounts of alcohol
• You have a history of rheumatoid arthritis
• You have previously broken a bone in an accident that wasn’t too major
• You have an abnormally low body weight
• You have been using any corticosteroid drugs over a period of three months or above
• You have a disorder associated with osteoporosis
• You have broken a hip before in your life

Older women are particularly at risk for developing osteoporosis. This is linked with the decline in the level of estrogen levels in the body. This causes a drop-in levels bone density. The denser your bones are, the less probable your bones are to break.

Uses of DEXA scans

DEXA scans are incredible at determining the risk of breaking bones by understanding your bone density levels. They are also used to diagnose issues related with bone health, as in osteoporosis or the risks thereof. They also help in understanding the levels of bone, fat and muscles in your body. Based on your risks of bone related diseases, doctors can recommend lifestyle-related changes which helps improve bone health. These include:

• Switching to a well-balanced, healthy diet with an abundance of calcium
• Increasing exposure to the sun to increase levels of Vitamin D in the body
• Working out and increasing weight-bearing exercises like running and jogging
• Using drug-based treatments to counter issues with bone loss
• Eliminating alcohol and smoking habits from your routine

By making suitable lifestyle changes, you can prevent breaking bones.

Is a bone density (DEXA) scan safe for me?

Bone density scans or DEXA scans are quite safe. These scans use a much lower degree of radiations as compared to standard X-rays. It is safe enough for radiographers to remain in the room during the scan procedure. The radiation emitted during your bone density scan is quite low. It is even lesser than that of 2days worth of exposure to natural background radiation.

If you want to compare it to standard X-rays, the equivalence is with about 3 days of NBR. This makes it significantly safer than X rays. However, if you are pregnant, you should always refrain from X-rays as it can harm the unborn fetus. Schedule a harmless DEXA scan at Radiology Center at Harding in Morristown, New Jersey today.