What Does Your Bone Density Test Tell You?
What does DEXA stand for?
Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry – This bone density test uses X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone. The higher your bone mineral content, the denser (stronger) your bones.
What is a bone density test is used for?
- Identify decreases in bone density before you break a bone
- Determine your risk of broken bones (fractures)
- Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis if you’ve experienced broken bones
- Monitor osteoporosis treatment
Your bone density test results are reported in two numbers: T-score and Z-score.
T-score – The T-score is your bone density compared with that of a healthy 30-year-old adult of your sex. This is measured in the number of units [standard deviations (SD)] that your bone density is above or below the optimal bone density. The more SD’s below 0 (indicated as negative numbers) the lower your bone mineral density and the higher your risk of fracture.
| T-Score | What your score means |
| > -1 | This is considered normal. |
| -1 to -2.5 | Osteopenia – bone density is below normal and may be a sign of coming osteoporosis |
| < -2.5 | Osteoporosis |
Z-score – Your Z-score compares your bone density to that of someone your age, weight, sex and ethnic origin. A SD below -1.5 could indicate that outside factors (see below) are contributing to bone loss.
- low calcium
- low vitamin D
- Diabetes
- depression
- caffeine
- high salt intake
- medications
- alcohol
- lack of exercise
- Celiac’s disease
- lead exposure smoking
- aluminum
- IBS
- cadmium exposure
- Hemocchromatosis
What Can You Do?
- Stop Smoking
- Exercise – Resistance training is essential for strong bones. Make an appointment at our office to get baseline balance tests. You can also learn about exercises you should be doing to warm up prior to exercising.
- Calcium/Magnesium/Vitamin D/Vitamin K – All these are essential for strong bones; however, the only way to know how much you should take and what other factors may be blocking absorption is thru diagnostic testing.
- Make an Appointment – A comprehensive diagnostic health analysis will help you determine any underlying causes or dysfunctions contributing to your low bone density. Years of eating sub-optimal foods, engaging in inadequate exercise, poor lifestyle habits and living in a polluted environment leads to the gradual development of disease. The only way to know how your body is functioning and what nutrients it is lacking is thru diagnostic testing. Set up your initial consultation with one of our health experts today. Call 480 951 5006 to schedule a consultation with Dr Burdorf, or schedule your appointment here.
Treating the root cause of your condition, not just your symptoms, is the fastest way to recovery and is the best way to obtain optimal health and wellness.
