health
‘Safe, quick and painless’: what is a DXA scan, and do you need one for bone health?
The imaging test is most often used to help determine a person’s risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures
TL;DR
- DXA scans use low-dose X-rays to measure bone strength, mineral content, and risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
- They can also assess body composition, including fat percentage, muscle mass, and fat distribution.
- DXA scans are recommended for women aged 65+, men aged 70+, and younger individuals with risk factors like previous fractures, long-term steroid use, or family history of osteoporosis.
- Osteoporosis is a 'silent disease,' often undetected until a fracture occurs, affecting one in three women and one in five men over 50.
- Pregnancy and recent contrast material imaging studies are reasons to postpone a DXA scan.
- Body composition, particularly muscle mass, can be a better indicator of health than overall body weight.
- Strategies to improve low bone density include weight-bearing exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and potentially medication.