Osteoporosis Detection
At North Oaks Diagnostic Center, radiologic technologists use the QDR 9500C Bone Densitometer to detect bone changes rapidly and painlessly with a physician’s order.
What is osteoporosis?
- Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become thinner.
- Osteoporosis causes the body to remove more bone than it replaces. This means that bones may become more likely to break. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that is common, especially in older women. But young people and men may develop osteoporosis, too.
- Osteoporosis may be prevented, and with proper therapy, it can be treated. Adequate calcium, vitamin D, appropriate exercise and, in some cases, medication is important for maintaining bone health.
- A bone density test can measure bone mass and may help determine bone strength and predict the risk of future fracture.
Who is at risk for osteoporosis?
- Women age 65 and older
- Men age 70 and older
- Women who are going through or who are past menopause ("the change")
- Caucasian and Asian women
- Small, thin-boned people
- People with a family member with osteoporosis
- People who do not get enough calcium or vitamin D
- Those who do not exercise
- Smokers
- Those who drink alcohol excessively
- Those on bone-thinning medicines (like prednisone or other corticosteroids) for a long time
How can osteoporosis affect me?
- You may not have any pain or other symptoms when osteoporosis begins.
- You may be more likely to break (fracture) a bone in your back, wrist or hips, especially if you fall.
- You may "shrink" (get shorter).
- You may get a "hump" (curve) in your back.
- You may have bad back pain that may prevent your involvement in some activities.