With risk factors that encompasses everyone, nobody is safe from osteoporosis. Right now, more than 10 million Americans – both men and women – have already been afflicted with this major health problem and 34 million more at great risk. So that health plans will be initiated sooner, detecting the disease before it develops further is crucial.
There is much effort people exert in preventing or treating osteoporosis although some may not be very effective. For example, drugs like soy supplements that not diminish symptoms of osteoporosis are being included in their therapy since many believed they are beneficial.
To find out if you are likely to develop osteoporosis, your bone mineral density (BMD) is being computed. Diagnostics for osteoporosis are essential in your therapy and we have listed the most commonly used tools to make you familiar with those tests.
Dexa Scan (Dual X-ray Absorptiometry or DXA)
DXA is the most preferred technique to measure BMD. A DXA machine produces 2 x-ray beams with different energy levels – one beam has higher while the other has lower energy level. The thickness of the bone is determined by the amount of x-rays passing through the bones and from there the BMD can be measured.
Quantitative Computed Tomography
QCT bone densitometry uses high amount of exposure to radiation and costs a lot of money causing it to be unavailable for general clinical use. The method uses a CT scanner to get an accurate status of your bone. This 3-dimensional technique though is 2-3 times more sensitive than DXA making it the most accurate tool to measure bone density.
Ultrasonography
Quite a new diagnostic tool to determine your BMD, the ultrasound does not use radiation. The sonar beam is directed to a certain area where the scattering and the absorption of the waves will allow the assessment of BMD. This fairly new tool is still not as precise as the previous two techniques and perhaps more research are still being conducted about it.
Life with osteoporosis is never a joke. The throes of the disease itself are already an ordeal; and if you are taking bisphosphonates you might also be in agony with its adverse effects. For instance, some long-term Fosamax users claimed they have been harmed by the prolonged use of the drug which triggered them to file a Fosamax lawsuit against the maker of the drug.
References:
http://www.newportbodyscan.com/OsteoporosisFAQ%27s.htm#6
http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/dexa-scan
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