Do I Need a Bone Density Test?

Osteoporosis is a silent disease.  One in three men, and one in four women, will die within a year of a hip fracture.  Early detection is the key to preventing this silent killer.  A Bone Density Test determines whether you have osteoporosis or are at risk for this dreaded disease.  Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become more fragile and therefore, break more easily.

 According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the following people should seriously consider having a bone density test:

• Women, 65 years of age or older … or … a postmenopausal woman, under age 65, with one or more risks factors for osteoporosis … or … a postmenopausal woman who has stopped taking estrogen therapy or hormone therapy.

• Men, 70 years of age or older … or … if you’re a man between the ages of 50 and 70 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis.

• Both men and women, over the age of 50, who have experienced a broken bone.

            Bone density tests are used to identify decreases in bone density before you break a bone, because they enable to Dr. Hulon Crayton to know your risks for breakage.  The test is quick, painless, and is the preferred method to measure your bone mineral density (BMD).

            So what are the risk factors for osteoporosis?

1.      Getting older, since bones weaken as you age.

2.      Your ethnic background: Caucasian/white women, or women of Southeast Asian descent, have the greatest risk of osteoporosis; however, all women certainly can have a significant risk of the disease, so a test to determine your BMD is in order, especially if you are postmenopausal.

3.      If you are of average height and weigh less than 125 pounds.

4.      Family history of osteoporosis or hip fractures.  Or, if you have a personal history of fractures after the age of 40.

There is no real preparation needed for this test, but it’s as simple as calling The Arthritis and Infusion Center to schedule your appointment.  Call (850) 873-6748 or go to www.DrCrayton.net for additional contact information regarding our practice.  Remember:  “Pain is not normal.  Let us help.”